Isoniazid, INH; Rifampin
Isoniazid, Rifampin Oral capsule
What is this medicine?
ISONIAZID; RIFAMPIN (eye soe NYE a zid; RIF am pin) is a combination of two antibiotics. It is used to treat tuberculosis (TB). It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
diabetes
HIV positive
if you frequently drink alcohol-containing beverages
kidney disease
liver disease
malnutrition
tingling of the fingers or toes, or other nerve disorder
an unusual or allergic reaction to isoniazid, rifampin, rifabutin, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early. Skipping doses may make the TB resistant to this medicine and other medicines. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
atomoxetine
certain antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS
dronedarone
green tea
levodopa
MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
procarbazine
ranolazine
sirolimus
voriconazole
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
acetaminophen
antacids
atovaquone
barbiturates like phenobarbital
beta-blockers like metoprolol and propranolol
calcium channel blockers like diltiazem, nifedipine and verapamil
certain antibiotics like ciprofloxacin
certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
certain medicines for diabetes, like glipizide or glyburide
certain medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, ketoconazole and itraconazole
certain medicines for irregular heart beat like disopyramide, mexiletine, quinidine
certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, valproic acid
certain medicines for sleep
certain medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin
chloramphenicol
clarithromycin
clofibrate
cyclosporine
dapsone
diazepam
digoxin
doxycycline
enalapril
female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills, patches, rings, or injections
haloperidol
levothyroxine
methadone
narcotic medicines for pain
quinine
sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim
steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
tacrolimus
theophylline
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need blood work done regularly.
You may need to take vitamin supplements while on this medicine. Talk to your doctor about the foods you eat and the vitamins you take. Avoid taking antacids containing aluminum, calcium or magnesium, and iron-containing products within 2 hours of taking this medicine. It is best to separate these medicines by 4 to 6 hours.
If you are diabetic, monitor your blood sugars closely. This medicine may change the way your diabetic medicine works, and sometimes will require that your dosages be adjusted. Check with your doctor or health care professional.
If you have diabetes, you may get a false-positive result for sugar in your urine. Check with your doctor or health care professional.
This medicine can cause serious liver problems. Make sure you understand the risks for liver problems and how to identify the symptoms. If you have any questions, talk with your doctor or other health care provider.
Avoid alcoholic drinks while you are taking this medicine. Drinking alcohol during treatment with this medicine increases the risk of serious liver problems.
Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control.
This medicine can color your urine, feces (stool), perspiration (sweat), tears, sputum, skin or saliva reddish-orange to reddish-brown. This color can last for as long as you take this medicine and is not a cause for alarm. This color in tears may permanently stain soft contact lenses. It is better not to wear soft contact lenses while you are taking this medicine.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
changes in vision or eye pain
dark urine
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
fever or chills, sore throat
hallucination, loss of contact with reality
loss of appetite
memory problems
nausea, vomiting
pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
pinpoint red spots on the skin
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
seizures
stomach pain
trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
unusual bleeding, bruising
unusually weak or tired
yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (Report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome.):
breast enlargement or tenderness
diarrhea
headache
loss of appetite
upset stomach
trouble sleeping
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Updated:  
March 21, 2017
Sources:  
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert