Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Rifater

Generic Name: isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin (Pronunciation: EYE soe NYE a zid, PIR a ZIN a mide, and rif AM pin)

• What is isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin (Rifater)?
• What are the possible side effects of isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin (Rifater)?
• What is the most important information I should know about isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin (Rifater)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin (Rifater)?
• How should I take isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin (Rifater)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Rifater)?
• What happens if I overdose (Rifater)?
• What should I avoid while taking isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin (Rifater)?
• What other drugs will affect isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin (Rifater)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin (Rifater)?

Isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin are antibiotics. They prevent tuberculous bacteria from multiplying in your body.

The combination of isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin is used to treat tuberculosis (TB).

Isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin (Rifater)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin can cause severe liver symptoms. Stop taking this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these liver symptoms:

• low fever;
• nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
• dark urine, clay-colored stools; or
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Call your doctor at once if you have any other serious side effects such as:

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, weakness, sores in your mouth and throat;
• pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
• feeling short of breath, feeling like you might pass out;
• cough, chest pain or tightness;
• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• vision problems;
• urinating less than usual or not at all; or
• drowsiness, mood changes, increased thirst, swelling, weight gain.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild stomach pain, heartburn, diarrhea;
• mild rash or itching;
• muscle or joint pain;
• drowsiness, dizziness, spinning sensation;
• ringing in your ears; or
• numbness or tingling in your legs.

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 is the most important information I should know about isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin (Rifater)?

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may get better before your infection is completely cleared. Isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin. Alcohol may increase your risk of liver damage.

Isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a different method of birth control while taking isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin.

Avoid foods that are high in tyramine, listed in the "What should I avoid while taking isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin?" section of this leaflet. Tyramine can interact with this medication and cause unpleasant side effects.

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