- Class
- Antitubercular drugs
- Body system
- Anti-infectives
- Brand names
- Rifadin
What is Rifampin used for?
- Tuberculosis (with other drugs)
- Latent tuberculosis (alternative regimen)
- Meningococcal carrier eradication
How Rifampin works
Blocks bacterial RNA polymerase, stopping RNA synthesis.
Common side effects
- Red-orange urine, sweat, tears and saliva
- Nausea and heartburn
- Elevated liver enzymes
Report right away
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or fatigue
- Flu-like symptoms
- Easy bruising
Nursing considerations for Rifampin
- Strong liver enzyme inducer: it lowers the effect of many drugs, including warfarin, hormonal contraceptives, some antiretrovirals, anticonvulsants and transplant drugs.
- Monitor liver function.
Patient teaching
- Body fluids will turn red-orange; it can permanently stain soft contact lenses.
- Use a nonhormonal method of birth control.
- Take on an empty stomach and do not skip doses.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Antitubercular drugs practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Rifampin belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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A patient taking rifampin is alarmed that their urine is orange. What should the nurse say?
Show answer
Answer A: This is an expected, harmless effect Rifampin colors urine, sweat and tears red-orange; it is harmless but can stain contact lenses.
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Which vitamin is given with isoniazid to prevent peripheral neuropathy?
Show answer
Answer C: Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) Isoniazid depletes pyridoxine; supplementation prevents neuropathy in at-risk patients.
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Which test should be done before starting ethambutol?
Show answer
Answer A: Visual acuity and color vision Ethambutol can cause optic neuritis with loss of visual acuity and red-green color discrimination.
Frequently asked questions
What is Rifampin used for?
Tuberculosis (with other drugs); Latent tuberculosis (alternative regimen); Meningococcal carrier eradication.
What drug class is Rifampin?
Rifampin belongs to the class antitubercular drugs. Blocks bacterial RNA polymerase, stopping RNA synthesis.
What are the nursing considerations for Rifampin?
Strong liver enzyme inducer: it lowers the effect of many drugs, including warfarin, hormonal contraceptives, some antiretrovirals, anticonvulsants and transplant drugs. Monitor liver function.
What should patients report while taking Rifampin?
yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or fatigue; flu-like symptoms; easy bruising.