home > drugs a-z list > rifater (rifampin, isoniazid and pyrazinamide) drug center > rifater (rifampin, isoniazid and pyrazinamide) drug - medication guide and patient information

Food Interactions: Because isoniazid has some monoamine oxidase inhibiting activity, an interaction with tyramine-containing foods (cheese, red wine) may occur. Diamine oxidase may also be inhibited, causing exaggerated response (eg, headache, sweating, palpitations, flushing, hypotension) to foods containing histamine (eg, skipjack, tuna, other tropical fish). Tyramine-and histamine-containing foods should be avoided in patients receiving RIFATER (rifampin, isoniazid and pyrazinamide) .

RIFATER (rifampin, isoniazid and pyrazinamide) , because it contains rifampin, may produce a reddish coloration of the urine, sweat, sputum, and tears, and the patient should be forewarned of this. Soft contact lenses may be permanently stained.

The patient should be advised that the reliability of oral or other systemic hormonal contraceptives may be affected; consideration should be given to using alternative contraceptive measures.

Patients should be instructed to take RIF ATER either 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal with a full glass of water.

Patients should be instructed to notify their physicians promptly if they experience any of the following: fever, loss of appetite, malaise, nausea and vomiting, darkened urine, yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes, pain or swelling of the joints.

Compliance with the full course of therapy must be emphasized, and the importance of not missing any doses must be stressed.

Last reviewed on RxList: 12/17/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.