Rifampicin: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Rifampicin is a rifamycin antibiotic used for tuberculosis. It is a prescription medicine used for tuberculosis, leprosy, brucellosis, prevention of meningitis in close contacts and some other serious infections. In Pakistan it is available as tablets, suspension, capsules and syrup, made by 4 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Rifampicin works

Rifampicin blocks an enzyme called RNA polymerase that bacteria need to read their genes and make proteins. Without it, the bacteria cannot survive. It reaches bacteria living inside cells and in hard-to-treat areas of the body, which makes it especially valuable against TB.

What is Rifampicin used for?

• Tuberculosis
• Leprosy
• Brucellosis
• Prevention of meningitis in close contacts
• Some other serious infections

Rifampicin is one of the main medicines used to treat tuberculosis (TB), always in combination with other anti-TB drugs to prevent resistance. It is also used for leprosy, brucellosis and some serious staphylococcal infections, and to prevent meningitis in close contacts of an infected person. It does not work for viral infections, and TB treatment must be continued for many months to be effective.

Side effects of Rifampicin

Some effects of Rifampicin are harmless but noticeable, and other common ones include:

• Orange-red colouring of urine, tears, sweat and saliva (harmless)
• Nausea or loss of appetite
• Stomach upset
• Flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills
• Itching or rash

Contact your doctor immediately if you develop yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, severe tiredness, unexplained bruising or bleeding, or a widespread rash.

Precautions and warnings

• Take it every day exactly as prescribed for the whole course, because missing doses or stopping early can lead to drug-resistant TB.
• Your doctor will check your liver function, and you should avoid alcohol during treatment.
• It interacts with many medicines and makes hormonal contraceptives less effective, so use a non-hormonal method and tell your doctor about everything you take, including HIV, diabetes and blood-thinning medicines.
• It can permanently stain soft contact lenses orange.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, tell your doctor, who will plan your TB treatment accordingly.

Frequently asked questions about Rifampicin

What is the price of Rifampicin in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Rifampicin products currently in stock range from Rs 23 to Rs 218 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Rimactal 450mg Tablet at Rs 23. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Rifampicin are available in Pakistan?

Rifampicin is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Rimactal (Novartis Pharma (Pakistan)ltd), Rifadin (Pacific Pharmaceuticals) and Lederiif (Wyeth-lederle).

Do I need a prescription for Rifampicin?

Yes. Rifampicin is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Can Rifampicin be used during pregnancy?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, tell your doctor, who will plan your TB treatment accordingly.

Are all Rifampicin brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Rifampicin in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Rifampicin brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 7 products containing Rifampicin from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.