| Rifampin is an antibiotic
Rifampin is an antibiotic medicine that is often used
to prevent meningitis (infection of the covering of the
brain and spinal cord) or other infections caused by the
bacterium Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) and by
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Rifampin is recommended
for people who have had close contact with people known
to have these diseases. It is also effective against some
other bacterial infections.
Certain people should not take rifampin
- People who have had a reaction to rifampin in the
past
- Pregnant or nursing women
- People with a history of liver or kidney disease
Rifampin has some side effects
- Urine, stool, saliva, sputum, sweat, and tears may
temporarily turn red or orange in color. Soft contact
lenses may be permanently stained. Soft contact lenses
should not be worn until 48 hours after treatment is
completed.
- Birth control pills may not prevent pregnancy when
taking rifampin. Use an extra form of birth control
during that monthly cycle.
- Stomach aches, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness,
or pain in the arms and legs can occur while taking
rifampin. These symptoms will go away when you stop
taking the medicine.
Follow instructions carefully for taking rifampin
Your doctor or the health department will tell you if
you need to take rifampin. They will also tell you when
to take it, how much to take, and how long to take it.
Call your doctor or health department if you have any
questions. |
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