What is Rifampicin?
Rifampicin is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections, including tuberculosis. It does not work against viruses such as colds or flu.
How to take Rifampicin
- Take on an empty stomach—30 minutes before food or 2 hours after.
- Take exactly as prescribed and try not to miss doses.
Before taking Rifampicin
- Tell your doctor about any medical conditions which you have.
- Tell your doctor about all medicines you take (including herbal or over-the-counter products).
- Rifampicin can reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill—ask about suitable alternatives.
- Pregnancy: consult your doctor.
- Breastfeeding: generally safe; may colour breast milk orange red (harmless).
While taking Rifampicin
- Your urine, sweat, tears and saliva may turn orange red, this is harmless.
- Soft contact lenses may become permanently stained.
- If treatment lasts longer than 2 weeks, your doctor may check your liver and blood tests.
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting (usually mild and improves over a few days).
- Headache, dizziness, tiredness.
- Muscle or joint aches.
Serious side effects—seek urgent help
- Allergic reaction: rash, itching, blisters, swelling of face/lips/eyes, difficulty breathing.
- Signs of liver problems: yellow skin/eyes, dark urine, pale stools, severe nausea/vomiting.
- Unusual bleeding, bruising or extreme tiredness.
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention
Additional important information
- Do not drink alcohol while on Rifampicin (increases risk of liver problems).
- If you miss a dose: take it when you remember unless your next dose is due within 6 hours. Do not double-dose.
- Continue treatment for as long as your doctor prescribes.
Storing Rifampicin
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Store below 25°C, in a dry place, protected from light.
If you have questions, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
A manufacturer’s information leaflet is available in every rifampicin box. You can ask your nurse for a copy or view it online at: www.medicines.org.uk
Information for Patients
This leaflet can be made available in other formats including large print, CD and Braille and in languages other than English, upon request.
Patient Experience Team (PET)
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you would like to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Team who will help you to do this.
This service is based at the University Hospital of North Tees and at James Cook University Hospital but also covers The University Hospital of Hartlepool, The Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
| North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust | South Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundations Trust |
| Telephone: 01642 624719 Freephone: 0800 092 0084 Email: [email protected] Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 4:00 pm | Telephone: 01642 854807 Freephone:0800 0282451 Email: [email protected] Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm |
Out of Hours
If you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard (numbers below).
| University Hospital of North Tees | James Cook University Hospital |
| Hardwick Road Stockton-on-Tees TS19 8PE Telephone: 01642 617617 | Marton Road Middlesbrough TS4 3BW Telephone: 01642 850850 |
| University Hospital of Hartlepool | The Friarage Hospital |
| Holdforth Road Hartlepool TS24 9AH Telephone: 01642 617617 | Northallerton North Yorkshire DL6 1JG Telephone: 01609 779911 |
Leaflet Reference: PI088 version 1
Review Date: 15/06/2029