What you need to know about Rimactane
Please read this carefully before you start to take your capsules. This leaflet does not contain the complete information about your capsules. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Rimactane contains a substance called rifampicin. It is one of the group of medicines called antibiotics which are used to treat infections. Rimactane is used to treat tuberculosis (TB) and some other infections. It is also used to help prevent the spread of some forms of meningitis.
Things to remember about Rimactane
Make sure it is safe for you to take Rimactane (see the back of this leaflet).
Take your capsules as instructed by your doctor and read the label on your capsules.
These capsules may cause unwanted effects in some people. You can find information about them on the back of this leaflet.
Tell your doctor if you are taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills) or if you wear soft contact lenses.
Keep your capsules in a cool, dry place out of reach of children.
Remember to return any unused capsules to your pharmacist.
This leaflet has been prepared for patients as part of our 'Partners in Health Care' theme by:–
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Ciba Laboratories, Horsham, West Sussex, England.
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PL 0008/5080R
PL 0008/5081R
PA 28/2/3
PA 28/2/4 |
Made by Ciba-Geigy Limited, Basle, Switzerland.
This leaflet is produced in accordance with guidance issued by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry. The information in it applies only to Rimactane.
Copyright © Ciba-Geigy PLC May 1992 747373a
Rimactane is an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis (TB) and some other infections. It is also used to help prevent the spread of some forms of meningitis.
What's in your medicine
Rimactane capsules come in two sizes containing 150mg or 300mg of rifampicin.
These capsules also contain lactose.
Before taking your medicine
Have you ever had a rash or other possible allergic reaction whilst taking rifampicin?
Are you suffering from jaundice?
Are you pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breast feeding?
If the answer to any of these questions is YES, DO NOT take the capsules without talking to your doctor again.
- Do you suffer from any serious liver disease?
- Are you taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills)?
- Are you taking any other medicines which your doctor does not know about?
- Do you wear soft contact lenses?
If the answer to any of these questions is YES, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
Taking your medicine
It is important to take your capsules at the right times. You must take them as instructed by your doctor. The label will tell you how many to take and how often. If it does not, or you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
You should swallow the capsules with a drink of water. It is best to take them at least 30 minutes before a meal.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then go on as before.
If you accidentally take too many Rimactane capsules tell your doctor immediately or contact your nearest hospital casualty department.
After taking your medicine
These capsules sometimes cause unwanted effects in some people. If you get any of the following tell your doctor.
- Skin rash or itching.
- Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
- Persistent high temperature or influenza-like symptoms.
- Persistent or severe stomach upsets.
You may also notice an orange-red discoloration of body fluids (for example, tears, urine). This is nothing to worry about and will disappear when your doctor tells you to stop taking Rimactane. If your capsules upset you in any other way, tell your doctor.
Precautions
Rimactane can permanently discolour soft contact lenses. Do not wear soft contact lenses whilst you are taking these capsules or for 1 week after stopping Rimactane.
Whilst you are taking Rimactane, your doctor may want to carry out a number of tests from time to time. This is quite usual and nothing to worry about.
REMEMBER: this medicine is for YOU. Only a doctor can prescribe it for you. Never give it to someone else. It may harm them even if they have the same symptoms as you.