Rifapentine tablets
Rifapentine tablets
What is this medicine?
RIFAPENTINE (RIF a pen teen) is an antibiotic. It is used to treat of tuberculosis (TB). This medicine is never used alone for tuberculosis, but in combination with at least one other agent.
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 with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. For your therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine even if you feel better. 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. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
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
dark urine
felling faint, dizzy
fever
loss of appetite
pain or swelling of the joints
pinpoint red spots on the skin
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 to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
diarrhea
headache
nausea, vomiting
stomach pain
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
medicines for HIV
voriconazole
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
antifungal medicines like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole
barbituates, like phenobarbital
birth control pills
clofibrate
cyclosporine
levothyroxine
medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin
medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
medicines for sleep
oral medicines for diabetes
quinine
sildenafil
some antibiotics like chloramphenicol, clarithromycin, dapsone, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin
some medicines for heart rhythm problems like disopyramide, mexiletine, quinidine, tocainide
some heart medicines like digoxin, diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil
some medicines for seizures like phenytoin
some prescription pain medications like methadone
steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
tacrolimus
theophylline
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.
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). Protect from heat and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
immune system problems
liver disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to rifapentine, rifabutin, rifampin, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
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 to have blood work done regularly while you are taking this medicine. 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.
Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.
You may need to take a vitamin B6 supplement while you are taking this medicine. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your health care professional.
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.
Antacids may reduce the absorption of this medicine. Doses of this medicine should be given at least 1 hour before taking antacids.
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. This medicine may stain dentures.
Updated:  
July 17, 2018