"riff-uh-PEN-teen"
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.
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.
Copyright © 2025 TraceGains, Inc. All rights reserved.
RxAnswers™ is a copyrighted combined product from TraceGains and First DataBank, Inc.
Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.
This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.
Learn more about First DataBank
There are some limitations on the information provided in “Nutrient Interactions.” Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article. Please read the disclaimer.
Learn more about TraceGains, the company.
TraceGains and/or its suppliers make no warranties or representations as to the accuracy or completeness of this content herein or that of any organization referred or linked to within this content and will not be liable for any damages arising out of your access to or use of any information found herein or that of any organization referred to within this content.
Information expires December 2025.