Rifamate: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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Rifamate is also known as Rifampin-isoniazid. The drug is effective in the treatment of tuberculosis, which is an antibiotic in nature. So they can prevent the growth of certain types of bacteria.

1. What are the effects of Rifamate?

Rifamate is a drug used to treat tuberculosis. The composition of the drug includes: rifampin and isoniazid. These are two types of antibiotics. The mechanism of action of the drug is to prevent the growth of bacteria in the body. It only works for bacterial infections, so don't use it with viral infections (like the common cold, flu). Excessive drug abuse can affect health and cause drug resistance.
2. How to use Rifamate Rifamate is to be taken orally at a dose once a day (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal) or as directed by your doctor. In case you use antacids, take Rifamate at least 1 hour before the antacid.
The dose of the drug is calculated based on the patient's age, weight, health status and response to treatment. Please strictly follow your doctor's instructions on dose, time to take.... The best way to not miss any dose, set a reminder on your phone at each time. Take medicines.
Keep taking your medicine (and other TB medicines) exactly as directed by your doctor, even if your symptoms have disappeared. When you voluntarily quit or miss a dose, bacteria will continue to grow. This causes the disease to come back, and the infection will be more difficult to treat because the bacteria are already resistant to the drug.
Your doctor may also direct you to take vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) to help prevent some side effects (such as nerve problems) from isoniazid. Observe the body's changes, if the symptoms do not show signs of improvement or persist, take the patient to a medical facility to receive help from doctors.

3. Side effects

During the use of the drug, you may experience some unwanted side effects such as:
Nausea or vomiting Abdominal pain Ợ sour or Headache Discolored urine, sweat, saliva or tears (yellow, orange, red or brown). However, this side effect is not harmful to your health and will disappear when the drug is stopped. Serious side effects: numbness or tingling in arms or legs, joint pain or swelling, kidney problems (such as altered urine output, bloody urine), increased thirst or urination, vision changes strength, easy bruising or bleeding, mental problems (such as confusion, mental confusion), body convulsions. In rare cases, severe inflammation of the intestines is caused by bacteria called C. difficile . This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after stopping the drug. Self-observable signs include: diarrhea that doesn't stop, abdominal or stomach pain or cramps, blood or mucus in your stool. Do not use antidiarrheal products or opioids as they can make symptoms worse. Serious allergic reaction. Signs that your body is allergic to the medicine, such as: persistent fever, new or worsening lymph node swelling, red, itchy, or swollen rash (especially of the face, tongue, or throat) , dizziness accompanied by difficulty breathing. Isoniazid in the composition of the drug, so it can cause serious liver problems. The incidence is higher in people 35 years of age and older, especially those who use alcohol or inject drugs illegally or who have liver disease. Clinical symptoms include: persistent nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness or fatigue, dark urine, jaundice and mucous membranes.

4. Precautions

To prevent side effects, there are a few things to keep in mind while using this medicine:
Tell your doctor about any allergies you may have (for example, you are allergic to rifampicin or isoniazid). or to other rifamycins (eg, rifabutin, rifapentine) or allergic to pollen, animal dander, food, etc.). There are some inactive substances in the ingredients that can affect your health or cause unwanted side effects. Tell your doctor or pharmacist your and your family's medical history, especially of: previous serious reactions to isoniazid (such as liver disease), liver and kidney problems, alcoholism , HIV infection, diabetes, numbness or tingling in the arms or legs (peripheral neuropathy), recent childbirth, certain blood disorders (porphyria). Before any surgery, give your doctor a list of all the products you use (including prescription, over-the-counter, and functional supplements). During the use of the drug you should avoid the use of alcoholic beverages. Excessive alcohol use can increase the risk of liver disease. That's why you should check your liver function regularly, even if you're not taking medication. Rifamate may inactivate live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine). You should not have any vaccinations or immunizations while using this medicine (unless your doctor tells you to). For pregnant women, doctors are advised to use the drug only when absolutely necessary. Several studies have demonstrated that when rifampin is taken during the last few weeks of pregnancy, the risk of bleeding in both the mother and the newborn may be increased. Components of the drug can pass into the milk ducts, which may harm the infant.

5. Interaction

Once a drug interaction occurs, it will change the mechanism of action of the drug, thereby causing serious side effects. Therefore, you should not start, stop or change the dose of any medicine without the consent of your doctor.
In addition, Isoniazid may interact with foods that contain tyramine or histamine (such as cheese, red wine, some fish). Clinical symptoms may include: increased blood pressure, flushing of the skin, headache, dizziness, or rapid or pounding heartbeat. If this interaction occurs, take the patient to the hospital immediately to get medical help. Your doctor may ask you to follow a special diet to relieve your symptoms.
Some typical drugs cause drug interactions:
Acetaminophen and carbamazepine, disulfiram MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazin, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromin) SSRI antidepressants (such as fluoxetine, sertraline) Rifampin valproic acid can stimulate the body to speed up the elimination of other drugs, affecting the absorption of drugs. Some of the drugs affected may include: digoxin, nimodipine, phenytoin, praziquantel, ranolazine, tacrolimus, theophylline, antibacterial drugs (including chloramphenicol, clarithromycin, dapsone, doxycycline, linezolid, telithromycin, zidovudine, quinolones such as ciprofloxacin) ) azole antifungals (eg itraconazole, ketoconazole), calcium channel blockers (eg diltiazem, verapamil), HIV NRTIs (eg delavirdine, etravirine, nevirapine), HIV protease inhibitors (eg atazanavir, ritonavir, saquinavir).
Hormonal contraceptives such as the pill, patch, or ring are also reduced in effectiveness. Talk to your doctor to find out other safe birth control methods. You should see your doctor if you notice symptoms such as: new spots, sudden bleeding, as these can be signs that the body's birth control is not working properly.
In addition, the drug may affect the results of certain tests (including folate or vitamin B12 levels, urine glucose tests). So before having any kind of test you should tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine.

6. How to store medicine and some things you need to pay attention to when using Rifamate

Drug storage
The most appropriate drug storage temperature is room temperature, avoiding direct sunlight. Absolutely do not leave the medicine in the bathroom or in a place with high humidity, because this can cause mold to affect the quality. With expired or unusable pills, you should handle them appropriately so as not to affect the environment.
Some things you need to pay attention to when using Rifamate
Tests need to be maintained on a regular basis as prescribed by your doctor (such as sputum test, kidney or liver function, bilirubin level , complete blood count). If you see any abnormal changes in the laboratory parameters, you need to see your doctor immediately to avoid unwanted side effects.

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Reference source: webmd.com