Rifampin and Isoniazid (Systemic)

Brand Names : Rifamate, rifampicin and isoniazid

Proper Use of This Medicine

If this medicine upsets your stomach, take it with food. Antacids may also help. However, do not take aluminum-containing antacids within 1 hour of the time you take rifampin and isoniazid combination. They may keep this medicine from working properly.

To help clear up your tuberculosis (TB) completely, it is very important that you keep taking this medicine for the full time of treatment , even if you begin to feel better after a few weeks. You may have to take it every day for as long as 1 to 2 years or more. It is important that you do not miss any doses .

Your doctor may also want you to take pyridoxine (e.g., Hexa-Betalin, vitamin B ₆ ) every day to help prevent or lessen some of the side effects of isoniazid. If it is needed, it is very important to take pyridoxine every day along with this medicine. Do not miss any doses .

Dosing - The dose of rifampin and isoniazid combination will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of rifampin and isoniazid combination. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For the oral dosage form (capsules):
  • For the treatment of tuberculosis:
    • Adults and older children - 600 milligrams (mg) of rifampin and 300 mg of isoniazid once a day.
    • Children - This combination medicine is not recommended for use in children.

Missed dose - If you do miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. If rifampin and isoniazid combination is taken on an irregular schedule, side effects may occur more often and may be more serious than usual . If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.