Why is Rifater prescribed?

Rifater is a combination antibiotic used to treat the initial phase of tuberculosis. After a 2-month period, your doctor may prescribe another combination of antituberculosis drugs (Rifamate), which can be continued for longer periods.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Rifater (Rifampin/Isoniazid/Pyrazinamide)

If Rifater (Rifampin/Isoniazid/Pyrazinamide) is taken with certain other drugs, decreased, the effects could be increased, or altered. Consider another form of birth control if you are taking oral contraceptives, since Rifater lowers their effectiveness. Also check with your doctor before combining Rifater with the following:

Antacids such as Maalox or Tums
Anticonvulsants such as Dilantin, Slo-Phyllin, Percodan
Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
Probenecid (Benemid)
Progestins such as Megace
Steroid drugs such as Deltasone and Prelone
Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
Theophylline (Theolair, Percocet, Demerol, and Tonocard
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Levodopa (Sinemet)
Narcotic analgesics such as Darvon, Quinidex, Procardia, Mexitil, Norpace, Lanoxin, Cardizem, Septra)
Cycloserine (Seromycin)
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
Dapsone
Diabetes medications such as Diabinese and Orinase
Disulfiram (Antabuse)
Fluconazole (Diflucan)
Haloperidol (Haldol)
Heart medications such Calan, and Vasotec
Blood thinners such as Coumadin
Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin)
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
Clofibrate (Atromid-S)
Cotrimoxazole (Bactrim, Tenormin, Tegretol
Barbiturates such as phenobarbital and Nembutal
Blood pressure medicines such as Inderal, Mysoline, Depakene, Theo-Dur)
Tranquilizers such as Valium and Xanax

Foods such as fish, cheese, and red wine may cause reactions if you are taking a medicine containing isoniazid. Call your doctor immediately if fast or fluttery heartbeat, headache, sweating, flushing, or light-headedness occurs while you are taking this medication.

Special warnings about Rifater (Rifampin/Isoniazid/Pyrazinamide)

Rifater (Rifampin/Isoniazid/Pyrazinamide) may cause your urine, sweat, sputum, and tears to turn a red-orange color. This is to be expected and is not harmful. The drug may also permanently discolor contact lenses.

Since Rifater (Rifampin/Isoniazid/Pyrazinamide) may cause eye problems, you should have a complete eye examination before starting therapy and periodically during Rifater treatment.

Limit the amount of alcohol you drink while on this medicine. Daily users of alcohol may be more prone to liver problems.

Use this medicine with caution if you have diabetes or kidney disease.

When rifampin, one of the drugs in Rifater, is taken at high doses (more than 600 milligrams) once or twice a week, it is likely that side effects may increase, including "flu-like" symptoms such as upset stomach, weakness, fatigue, chills, fever, and shortness of breath.

How should you take Rifater (Rifampin/Isoniazid/Pyrazinamide)?

Take Rifater (Rifampin/Isoniazid/Pyrazinamide) exactly as prescribed. Do not stop without consulting your doctor. It is important to take all of the drug prescribed for you, even if you feel better, and not to miss any doses.

Take Rifater (Rifampin/Isoniazid/Pyrazinamide) on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal, with a full glass of water. Wait at least 1 hour before taking an antacid, as antacids may interfere with the drug.

If needed, your doctor may suggest taking vitamin B 6 while you are on Rifater (Rifampin/Isoniazid/Pyrazinamide) therapy.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at once.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature. Protect from moisture.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Rifater (Rifampin/Isoniazid/Pyrazinamide).

• More common side effects may include:
  Angina (crushing chest pain), vomiting, swelling of the legs, sweating, sleeplessness, skin peeling or flaking, reddened skin, rash, numbness or tingling of the legs, nausea, joint pain, itching, hives, hepatitis, headache, fluttery heartbeat, fast, digestive pain, difficult breathing, diarrhea, diabetic coma, coughing up blood, cough, chest tightness, chest pain, bone pain, anxiety, yellowing of skin and eyes