Brand Name(s): Rifamate
Warnings
Isoniazid has rarely caused very serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. The risk of liver disease is increased in people who are 35 years and older, who use alcohol or illegal injection drugs, or who currently have long-term liver problems. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of liver disease, including persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, unusual weakness/tiredness, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin.
Your doctor should order liver function tests while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and laboratory appointments.
Uses
This product is used to treat tuberculosis (TB). It contains 2 medications: rifampin and isoniazid. Both medications are antibiotics. Rifampin is known as a rifamycin antibiotic. This product works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.
How to use IsonaRif Oral
Take this product by mouth 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor.
If you also take antacids, take this medication at least 1 hour before the antacid.
The dosage is based on your age, weight, medical condition, and response to treatment.
Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Continue to take this medication (and other TB medications) until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear. Stopping the medication too early or skipping doses may allow the bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection and cause the infection to be more difficult to treat (resistant).
Your doctor may also direct you to take vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) to help prevent certain side effects (such as nerve problems) from isoniazid. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Isoniazid may interact with foods containing tyramine/histamine (such as cheese, red wine, certain types of fish). This interaction may cause increased blood pressure, flushing of the skin, headache, dizziness, or fast/pounding heartbeat. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor may recommend that you follow a special diet while taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side Effects
See also Warning section.
Nausea/vomiting, upset stomach, heartburn, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
This medication may cause urine, sweat, saliva, or tears to turn reddish. This effect is harmless and will disappear when the medication is stopped. However, dentures and contact lenses may become permanently stained.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: numbness/tingling of arms/legs, painful/swollen joints.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: change in the amount of urine, increased thirst/urination, bloody urine, vision changes, easy bruising/bleeding, signs of a new infection (such as fever, persistent sore throat), mental/mood changes (such as confusion, psychosis), seizures.
This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a type of resistant bacteria. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have any of the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
See also Warning section.
Before taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to rifampin or isoniazid or to other rifamycins (such as rifabutin, rifapentine) or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
