rifamycin
What is the most important information I should know about rifamycin?
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
What is rifamycin?
Rifamycin is used in adults to treat traveler's diarrhea caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli).
Rifamycin is not for use in treating diarrhea with fever or blood in the stools, or diarrhea that is not caused by E. coli.
Rifamycin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking rifamycin?
You should not use rifamycin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- a fever; or
- blood in your stools.
Rifamycin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- an allergic reaction to an antibiotic or other medicine to treat or prevent infection.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
How should I take rifamycin?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Rifamycin is usually taken twice daily for 3 days in a row. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
You may take rifamycin with or without food. Do not take with alcohol.
Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 48 hours, or if your diarrhea gets worse.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What are the possible side effects of rifamycin?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe stomach pain; or
- diarrhea that is watery or bloody.
Common side effects may include:
- constipation; or
- headache.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect rifamycin?
Other drugs may affect rifamycin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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