Rifampicin

Rifampicin should be avoided if you are allergic to any of its contents. Inform your doctor if you have diabetes, epilepsy, gout, mental health problems, HIV infection, malnutrition, peripheral neuropathy, porphyria, bleeding problems, kidney or liver problems on priority before starting treatment with Rifampicin. Avoid foods and drinks containing histamines or tyramine, such as cured meat, matured cheese, soya, tuna, salmon, mackerel, wine, and beer, while treatment with Rifampicin as they might cause interaction. Maintain a gap of one hour between Rifampicin and antacid medicines.

Rifampicin is not recommended for pregnant women. Hence, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Avoid breastfeeding while using Rifampicin as it passes into breast milk. Rifampicin should be administered in children only if prescribed by the paediatrician. Rifampicin may cause dizziness or drowsiness, so avoid driving vehicles. Avoid alcohol consumption with Rifampicin as it could lead to increased drowsiness, dizziness and liver damage.

DRUG-DRUG INTERACTIONS: Rifampicin may have interaction with pain killers (e.g. acetaminophen, hydrocodone), anti-TB (e.g. ethambutol, pyrazinamide) and vitamins (e.g. ergocalciferol, cholecalciferol, ascorbic acid), blood thinners (e.g. warfarin), Antacids (e.g. pantoprazole, omeprazole), Antibiotics (e.g. doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin), cough syrups (e.g. diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs  (e.g. phenytoin, phenobarbital, Lamotrigine),  azole antifungals (e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole), calcium channel blockers (e.g. diltiazem, nimodipine, verapamil).

FOOD-DRUG INTERACTIONS: Restrict your alcohol consumption while treatment with Rifampicin as it could lead to increased dizziness and liver damage. Avoid foods and drinks containing histamine or tyramine, such as cured meat, matured cheese, soya, tuna, salmon, mackerel, wine, and beer, while taking Rifampicin as they might cause interaction.

DRUG-DISEASE INTERACTION: Rifampicin may interact with colitis (inflammation in the lining of the colon),  porphyria ( blood disease), hemodialysis, liver toxicity, and kidney and liver dysfunction.

• Try to take foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, kiwi, broccoli, and bell pepper, which help improve the immune system. 
• Avoid consuming processed and fried foods.
• Warm ginger tea or warm soup can help in providing relief from a cough.
• Avoid foods and drinks containing histamines or tyramine, such as cured meat, matured cheese, soya, tuna, salmon, mackerel, wine and beer.
• Smoking and alcohol consumption should be avoided as it causes dizziness.
• Drinking pineapple juice might help soothe the symptoms of cough and cold. It also has anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties.

• Rifampicin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work as well. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations while using this medication unless your doctor tells you to.
• Rifampicin may cause temporary discolouration of urine, tears, and other secretions may become orange-red in colour. Avoid using contact lenses since they may become discoloured. Contact your doctor for further advice.
• Regular liver tests may be advised by your doctor while receiving Rifampicin to check how your liver is functioning.
• Rifampicin may affect test results of some blood tests such as folate, vitamin B12, and liver function tests. Hence inform your doctor or the lab person if any such tests are advised.