Understanding Rifampicin

Side Effects

Of course, rifampicin has several side effects! The common side effects include heartburn, headaches, and upset stomach. Women often experience menstrual cycle changes on this medication as well! Another side effect is a change to the color of a patient's sweat, urine, saliva, or tears. They will turn red, orange, or brown. Thankfully, this resolves once patients stop taking this antibiotic! Unfortunately, this medication often causes permanent tooth discoloration. Behavior and coordination changes happen as well. Some patients deal with appetite loss, pain in their abdomen, and diarrhea as side effects too!

This medication changes certain lab test results. Tests that it affects include red blood cell counts, serum uric acid levels, and liver function tests. Usually, it means lower red blood cell counts and elevated results in the other two! This medication causes liver disease in some patients. Thus, patients need to be aware of those warning signs! They include jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain, and persistent nausea. Patients must tell their doctor about these signs immediately!

Get the details on precautions with this medication next.