Brand Names: Rifamate

Generic Name: isoniazid and rifampin (Pronunciation: eye so NYE a zid and RIF am pin)

• What is isoniazid and rifampin (Rifamate)?
• What are the possible side effects of isoniazid and rifampin (Rifamate)?
• What is the most important information I should know about isoniazid and rifampin (Rifamate)?
• Who should not take isoniazid and rifampin (Rifamate)?
• How should I take isoniazid and rifampin (Rifamate)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Rifamate)?
• What happens if I overdose (Rifamate)?
• What should I avoid while taking isoniazid and rifampin (Rifamate)?
• What other drugs will affect isoniazid and rifampin (Rifamate)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is isoniazid and rifampin (Rifamate)?

Isoniazid and rifampin are antibiotics. They prevent tuberculous bacteria from multiplying in your body.

Isoniazid and rifampin are used together to treat tuberculosis (TB).

Isoniazid and rifampin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of isoniazid and rifampin (Rifamate)?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking isoniazid and rifampin and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• excessive tiredness or weakness;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite;
• yellow skin or eyes;
• unusual bruising or bleeding;
• dark urine;
• little or no urine;
• numbness or tingling in your hands or feet;
• muscle or bone pain;
• seizures;
• blurred vision;
• fever, chills, or a sore throat;
• a headache;
• a rash or itching; or
• confusion or abnormal behavior.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take isoniazid and rifampin and talk to your doctor if you experience

• red-orange coloration of tears, sweat, saliva, urine, or feces; or
• mild tiredness or weakness.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Rifamate (rifampin and isoniazid) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about isoniazid and rifampin (Rifamate)?

Take all of the isoniazid and rifampin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated.

Avoid alcohol while taking isoniazid and rifampin. Alcohol will increase the risk of damage to your liver during treatment with this medication.

Call your doctor immediately if you experience a fever, chills, a sore throat, muscle and bone pain, a headache, excessive tiredness or weakness, numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, yellowing of your skin or eyes, darkening of your urine, unusual bleeding or bruising, a rash, or itching.

Take isoniazid and rifampin on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

This medication may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Talk to your doctor about using another form of birth control during treatment.