Rifapentine (By mouth)
rif-a-PEN-teen
Treats active or latent tuberculosis (TB).
Drug classes
Antitubercular (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Rifapentine is used in combination with other medicines to treat active tuberculosis in adults and children 12 years of age and older. It is also used to treat inactive (latent) tuberculosis in adults and children 2 years of age and older. Rifapentine is an antibiotic and works to kill or prevent the growth of bacteria. It will not help against viruses.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
If you take this medicine 2 times each week, wait at least 3 days (72 hours) between each dose.
It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break or chew it.
If you cannot swallow the tablet, you may crush it and add it to a small amount of semisolid food. Take it immediately and do not store it for later use.
Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
There are many other drugs that can interact with rifapentine. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are using, especially blood thinners (such as warfarin), HIV medicine, diabetes medicine, or seizure medicine.
This medicine can make birth control pills or patches less effective. Ask your doctor if you should change birth control or use 2 methods together.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to rifapentine, rifampin, rifabutin, or rifamycin.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease or porphyria.
This medicine may cause liver problems.
This medicine may cause your skin, teeth, or tongue to turn a reddish-orange color. Your tears, saliva, urine, or bowel movements may also become reddish-orange. Your contact lenses or dentures could become permanently discolored.
This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Diarrhea that may contain blood
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Priftin
There may be other brand names for this medicine.