Rifamate (Isoniazid/Rifampacin)

What is Rifamate?

Rifamate is an antibiotic capsule, combination of isoniazid and rifampin which is active against tuberculous bacterial infections in the body.

What is Rifamate used for?

Rifamate is indicated for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). It is important to note that the medication is only meant to obstruct the growth of tuberculous bacterial infections and does not work on viral infections which include flu and common cold.

How does Rifamate work?

Rifamate works by hindering the growth of tuberculous bacteria.

How to use Rifamate

Rifamate should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor after titration on every individual component.

The medicine should be taken once daily or as directed by the doctor. It is usually suggested to be taken on an empty stomach one hour prior to the meal or two hours after the meal. Take the medicine with a full glass of water. In case you take antacids, Rifamate should be taken one hour before taking an antacid. The dosage of the medication usually depends on the medical condition, body weight and the response to the medication.

Remember to take the medicine at the same time every day.

Rifamate warnings and precautions

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to isoniazid, rifampin, or other rifamycins like rifapentine and rifabutin. Before starting the course of the medicine, inform your doctor about any allergies that you may have especially if you have noticed any severe reactions by the use of isoniazid.

It is suggested that you share entire medical history with the doctor including diabetes, kidney and liver disease, numbness or tingling sensation in the legs and arms, or blood disorder like porphyria.

Alcohol consumption should be avoided during the course of medication since it aggravates the risk of liver problems. The medication can obstruct the working of live bacterial vaccines like typhoid vaccine. Therefore it is suggested not have any immunizations or vaccinations during the course without consulting the doctor.

Isoniazid might interact with food items that contain tyramine or histamine such as red wine, cheese and certain types of fish. Therefore, it is advised not to take these food items in tandem with Rifamate.

Stopping the intake of medication too early or skipping doses results in increased growth of bacteria leading to resistance to the treatment.

Pregnant women should consult their doctors before taking this medicine. When taken during the last few weeks of the pregnancy, it may lead to bleeding in mother and new born. Check with the doctor immediately if this happens. The medication also passes into the breast milk but does not harm the infant. However, doctor should be consulted before breastfeeding.

What do I do if I have missed a Rifamate dose?

If you have missed your Rifamate dose, you can take it as soon as you remember. However, if you remember near the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule.

What do I do if I have taken a Rifamate overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Rifamate, you should seek medical attention.

Rifamate interactions

Before taking Rifamate, inform your doctor about all the prescribed, non prescribed and herbal dosages that you are on. The effects of some of the drugs may change when taken along with Rifamate. This can also lead to serious side effects.

Some products that may interact with this medication include acetaminophen, disulfiram, selegiline, tranylcypromine), carbamazepine, MAO inhibitors, SSRI antidepressants (for example fluoxetine, sertraline), blood thinners, sulfa medicines, valproic acid, etc.

Do not start using any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Rifamate side effects

Rifamate side effects may include upset stomach, nausea or vomiting heartburn, or headache. If the side effects persist for long, consult the doctor immediately. The medication may also cause urine, saliva, sweat, or tears to turn reddish. These effects are harmless and disappear when the medication is stopped.

Consult the doctor if any of the following rare and serious side effects of Rifamate occur- change in the amount of urine, increased thirst or urination, bloody urine, vision changes, signs of a new infection (like fever, persistent sore throat), bruising/bleeding, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, psychosis), seizures. Rifamate may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, due to a type of resistant bacteria.