Rifapentine is used for the treatment of tuberculosis.

 

What is Rifapentine?

 

Rifapentine acts by killing or stopping the growth of microorganisms responsible for tuberculosis by inhibiting the synthesis of their RNA.

 

How should Rifapentine be taken?

 

Rifapentine is administered orally, usually on a full stomach.

 

Side effects associated with Rifapentine

 

Rifapentine can color the tissues and body fluids in red-orange (for example the skin or urine), including dentures and contact lenses and it can interfere with hormonal contraceptives and with the results of some laboratory tests. In addition, its long-term use can lead to the appearance of a second infection.

 

Among the other possible adverse effects are included:

 

  • Decrease in appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Articular pains
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

 

It is important to contact a doctor immediately if taking Rifapentine triggers any of the following symptoms:

 

  • Rash
  • Itching
  • Swelling of face, eyes, lips, tongue or throat
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Tightness or chest pain
  • Fainting
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Red or irritated eyes
  • Severe dizziness
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Fever, chills, sore throat, cough or other symptoms of infection
  • Liver problems
  • Bleeding or bruising
  • Fatigue or unusual weakness

 

Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Rifapentine

 

Rifapentine may take several months to reach full effectiveness, but in any case, the treatment should not be stopped without first discussing it with your doctor and it should be continued until the end, to allow the drug to completely eradicate the infection. The drug is contraindicated in cases of porphyria.

 

Moreover, before starting treatment it is important to tell your doctor if:

 

  • You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients, other medicines (especially to other rifamycins), food or any other substance
  • You are taking other medications, herbal remedies and supplements, especially medicines against HIV, TB or other infections, heart problems, anxiety, depression, behavioral problems or other psychological disorders, asthma, inflammation, allergies, pain, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid dysfunction or erectile dysfunction, anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, and hormonal contraceptives
  • You suffer (or have suffered) from liver problems
  • You have HIV infection
  • There are anomalies in test results for liver function
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding

 

Lastly, it is recommended to inform physicians, surgeons and dentists about ongoing treatment with Rifapentine prior to any procedure.