Rifapentine

Pronounced

"riff-uh-PEN-teen"

Uses

This medication is used with other medications to treat active tuberculosis (TB) of the lungs. It may also be used with another medication (isoniazid) to prevent active TB infections in people who are infected with the bacteria (people with positive TB skin test). Rifapentine is known as a rifamycin antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking rifapentine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with food as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice weekly. Taking this medication with food will help to decrease side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting and also increase the absorption of this medication.

The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to treatment.

For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take it on the same day(s) of the week and at the same time each day. Mark the days on the calendar when you need to take the medication.

Continue to take this medication (and other TB medications) until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear. Stopping the medication too early or skipping doses may result in a return of the infection and cause the infection to be more difficult to treat (resistant).

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

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