Rifampin/isoniazid/pyrazinamide (By mouth)

Introduction:

Isoniazid (eye-soe-NYE-a-zid), Pyrazinamide (pir-a-ZIN-a-mide), Rifampin (rif-AM-pin)

Treats tuberculosis (TB).

Brand Name(s):

Rifater

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
• Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• There are many other drugs that interact with this medicine. Make sure your doctor knows all other medicines you are using.
• If you are using antacids (such as Mylanta®, Maalox®, or Amphojel®), take this medicine at least 1 hour before using any antacids.
• Birth control pills may not work while you are using this medicine. To keep from getting pregnant, use another form of birth control. Other forms include condoms, a diaphragm, or contraceptive foam or jelly.
• While you are using this medicine, eating some types of fish, cheese, or drinking red wine may cause reactions such as flushing, chills, headache, slow or pounding heartbeat, nausea or vomiting while taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease, porphyria, or diabetes.
• Your urine, stool, saliva (spit), sweat, and tears may turn red in color while taking this medicine.
• Soft contact lenses may become permanently stained if you wear them while using rifampin. Avoid wearing contact lenses until your treatment has ended.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
• Chest pain, pounding heartbeat.
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
• Fever.
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach.
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
• Swelling in your face, hands, ankles, or feet.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Blurred vision or ringing in your ears.
• Headache, sweating, or trouble sleeping.
• Joint or muscle pain.
• Mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain.
• Mild skin rash or itching.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: