rifabutin

trade name: Mycobutin; drug class: antimycobacterial agent; action: inhibits deoxyribonucleic acid-dependent ribonucleic acid (RNA) polymerase synthesis of bacterial RNA; uses: prevention of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease with advanced human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Brand names: Mycobutin®

Chemical formula:

Español:
• Rifabutina, Cápsula oral

Rifabutin Oral capsule

What is this medicine?

RIFABUTIN (RIF a byoo tin) is an antibiotic. It is used to prevent mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in people with HIV infection. This medicine does not cure or prevent HIV. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
 
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•kidney disease
•tuberculosis
•wear contact lenses
•an unusual or allergic reaction to rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, rifaximin, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. It is important to take all of your medicine as directed even if you think your are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
•clarithromycin
•delavirdine
•erythromycin
•sirolimus
•troleandomycin
•voriconazole

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
•dapsone
•female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills, patches, rings, or injections
•fluconazole
•itraconazole
•medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin
•medicines for HIV
•sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups.

This medicine can color your urine, stool, sweat, tears, sputum, skin or saliva red, orange or brown. This is not a cause for alarm. However, soft contact lenses may be permanently stained.

Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives
•breathing problems
•changes in vision
•chest pain
•dark urine
•fever or chills, sore throat
•general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
•light-colored stools
•loss of appetite, nausea
•right upper belly pain
•unusual bleeding or bruising
•unusually weak or tired
•yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea
•headache
•loss of appetite
•muscle aches, pains
•nausea, vomiting
•orange to brown color of urine, stools, saliva, tears, soft contact lenses, and sweat
•stomach pain, upset
•unusual taste

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.