Rifadin

What is it?

An antibiotic and antimalarial preparation available as capsules in 2 strengths, blue/red, containing 150mg and red, containing 300mg of rifampicin. Also, RIFADIN SYRUP containing 100mg of rifampicin per 5ml. Also, RIFRDIN INFUSION, available as a powder in a vial containing 600mg of rifampicin, with 10ml solvent in an ampoule.

Medical Uses

Prevention of meningococcal meningitis in people not showingsymptoms who are carriers of N. meningitidis, treatment of carriers of Haemophilus influenzae, additional therapy for brucellosis, Legionnaire's disease and serious staphylococcal infections, tuberculosis and mycobacterial infections, leprosy.

Dosage

Adults, meningitis, 600mg twice each day for 2 days; influenza, 20mg per kg of body weight each day for 4 days; brucellosis, 600 to 1200mg each day as 2 to 4 doses; tuberculosis, 8 to 12mg per kg of body weight each day as single dose taken thirty minutes before or 2 hours after a meal; leprosy, 600mg once each month or 10mg per kg of body weight each day as one dose. Children: meningitis, aged 3 months to 1 year, 5mg per kg of body weight twice each day for 2 days; aged 1 to 12 years, 10mg per kg of body weight twice each day for 2 days; influenza, 20mg per kg of body weight each day for 4 days to a daily maximum of 600mg, newborn infants, 10mg per kg of body weight each day for 4 days; tuberculosis, 10 to 30mg per kg of body weight each day to a daily maximum of 600mg; leprosy, as adult dose.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, elderly, poorly nourished or the very young, liver disorders - function should be monitored.

Avoid Use

Jaundice.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Digitalis, hypogiycaemics, cyclosporin, analgesics, corticosteroids, anticoagulants, oral contraceptives, dapsone, quinidine, phenytoin, narcotics.

Known Side Effects

Rashes, gastrointestinal upset, flu-like symptoms, upset liver function, orange discolouration of urine, secretions and soft contact lenses.

Manufacturer

Aventis.