RIFADIN IV

Drug Name: RIFADIN IV

RIFADIN IV DESCRIPTION:
RIFAMPIN - INJECTION (riff-AM-pin)

COMMON RIFADIN IV BRAND NAME(S):
Rifadin

RIFADIN IV SIDE EFFECTS:
Sore mouth, drowsiness, dizziness or flushing may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop weakness, unusual bruising or bleeding, flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, headache, muscle ache), nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, pale stools, numbness or tingling of the hands or feet, changes in vision, confusion, memory trouble or sore throat. RIFADIN IV may cause urine, saliva, tears, stools and sweat to turn red-orange in color. Do not be alarmed. This will disappear when the medication is stopped. Notify your doctor if the injection site becomes swollen or irritated. Another injection site may be necessary. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE RIFADIN IV:
RIFADIN IV: RIFADIN IV is given by injection into a vein usually once or twice a day. Avoid injecting intramuscularly or subcutaneously. Inject into a vein only. RIFADIN IV must be used as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop using this without your doctor's approval. Stopping therapy too soon may result in ineffective treatment. Full course of therapy may take several months or longer to complete.

RIFADIN IV USES:
RIFADIN IV is used in the treatment of tuberculosis or other infections when the oral form cannot be taken.

RIFADIN IV PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing liver disease, blood disorders, history of alcohol use and of any allergies. Alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of RIFADIN IV and increase side effects. Limit alcohol consumption while taking this medication. Use caution operating machinery or participating in activities requiring alertness if RIFADIN IV makes you feel drowsy or dizzy. Soft contact lenses may be permanently discolored by this medication. RIFADIN IV should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

RIFADIN IV DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor about all the medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially if you take warfarin, oral medicines for diabetes, azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), theophylline, halothane, verapamil, certain protease inhibitors (e.g., nelfinavir), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), disopyramide, beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), isoniazid, digitoxin, quinidine, mexiletine, phenytoin, cyclosporine, zidovudine and live vaccines. Rifampin can decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Discuss the use of other birth control methods with your doctor. Also report drugs which cause drowsiness such as sedatives, tranquilizers, psychiatric medicines, anti-seizure or anti-anxiety drugs, narcotic pain relievers and certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

RIFADIN IV OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include swelling of face or around eyes, itching over the entire body, orange or red discoloration of skin or eyes, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness.

RIFADIN IV NOTES:
Laboratory tests will be done frequently to monitor the effectiveness of RIFADIN IV and to prevent side effects.

MISSED RIFADIN IV DOSE:
Try to use each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

RIFADIN IV STORAGE:
The undiluted vials of RIFADIN IV may be stored at room temperature as directed. If diluted in 10 ml, use within 24 hours. If diluted in 100 ml or 500 ml use within 4 hours. Check the expiration date on the label and properly discard of any unused medication after that date.