Take rifampin capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow capsules whole with a full glass of water. It is best to take rifampin on an empty stomach; 1 to 2 hours before food, or at least 2 hours after food. If rifampin upsets your stomach you can take it with food. Opening the capsule and mixing the contents with food, such as applesauce, is an easy way to give to children. Take your doses at regular intervals and try not to miss any doses. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•bruising or pinpoint red spots on the skin
•difficulty breathing
•fainting spells or dizziness which does not go away
•fever or chills, mouth sores, or sore throat
•reduced amount of urine passed
•skin rash, itching, hives
•stomach pain
•unusual tiredness or weakness
•yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea
•discoloration of soft contact lens
•dizziness
•headache
•loss of appetite
•nausea, vomiting
•reddish-orange to reddish-brown coloration of urine, stools, saliva, tears, and sweat

Many medicines can interact with rifampin. Make sure to tell your prescriber you are taking rifampin before starting any new medicines and to discuss all the medicines you are taking before starting rifampin therapy. The list below contains some, but not all, of the drugs that can interact with rifampin. If have any questions about the medicines you are taking talk to your prescriber or pharmacist.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

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.

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Rifampin can cause serious liver problems, especially if you are also taking pyrazinamide (PZA). Make sure you understand the risks for liver problems and how to identify the symptoms. If you have any questions, talk with your prescriber or other health care provider. Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks and report any serious side effects promptly.

Keep taking your rifampin even if you feel better. You may need to take this medicine for an extended period of time for a complete cure.

Avoid alcoholic drinks while you are taking rifampin. Drinking alcohol during treatment with rifampin increases the risk of serious liver problems.

Birth control pills (contraceptive pills) may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Use a different method of birth control while you are taking rifampin.

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 rifampin and is not a cause for alarm. Talk to your prescriber or health care professional about it if it concerns you. However, this color in tears may permanently stain soft contact lenses. It is better not to wear soft contact lenses while you are taking rifampin.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking rifampin.