Rifadin (generic name: rifampin) is an antibiotic medication used to prevent and treat tuberculosis (contagious lung infection). According to Drugs.com, it can also prevent bacterial spread from your nose and throat. Rifadin is a capsule that is typically taken twice a day for at least three months, according to MedlinePlus.
Common Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, Rifadin can cause headaches, vomiting, pain in your muscles or bones and diarrhea. It can also cause heartburn, stomach discomfort and chills. Rifadin can turn your urine, tears, sweat and sputum to dark red color, says the National Library of Medicine. Tell your doctor if these symptoms worsen, and she may lower Rifadin's dosage or replace it with another medication.
Dangerous Side Effects
Rifadin can cause such potentially harmful side effects as nausea, poor appetite and itching, according to Drugs.com. For example, you may develop jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), which typically is an indication of liver toxicity or damage. Your doctor can run a battery of blood tests to check your liver enzymes and bilirubin (yellow substance found in bile) levels to assess for liver problems. Rifadin can also decrease your red blood cell and platelet counts, resulting in such physical manifestations as easy bleeding and bruising. It can also cause joint pain, swelling and decreased urination.
Other Side Effects
According to the National Library of Medicine, Rifadin can lead to an intestinal infection called pseudomembranous colitis. In this infection, a certain bacteria called Clostridium dificille causes patchy overgrowths on your intestines, subsequently causing severe and foul-smelling diarrhea and stomach pains.
Other side effects include vasculitis (inflammation of your blood vessels), menstrual irregularities, confusion and arm or leg pain.
Additional Concerns
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to Rifadin or its components. It may cause severe breathing difficulty, a severe skin reaction known as hives and swelling of your face, throat or tongue, according to Drugs.com.
Do not use Rifadin if you plan to breastfeed. Rifadin can pass into breast milk and harm your child.
Possible harmful drugs reactions can result when you combine such medications as methadone, phenytoin and birth control pills with Rifadin. Tell your doctor about your current medications, and he can check whether they interact with Rifadin.
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