Patient leaflet - Rifadin 300 mg capsules

1. What Rifadin 300 mg Capsules are and what they are used for

Rifadin 300 mg Capsules contain a medicine called rifampicin. It belongs to a group of medicines called anti-bacterials. It works by killing the bacteria that cause infections.

Rifadin 300 mg Capsules are used to treat the following bacterial infections:

Tuberculosis (also known as TB) alongside other medicines
Leprosy alongside other medicines
Brucellosis alongside other medicines
Legionnaires Diseases alongside other medicines
Haemophilus Influenzae
Other serious bacterial infections

Rifadin 300 mg Capsules can also be used to stop the following infections from developing;

Meningitis
Haemophilus Influenzae in children aged 4 years or younger

2. What you need to know before you take Rifadin 300 mg Capsules

Do not take Rifadin 300 mg Capsules if:

You are allergic (hypersensitive) to
- rifampicin
- any of the other ingredients of the Rifadin 300 mg Capsules (see Section 6)

Signs of an allergic reaction include: a rash, swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue

You have yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
You are taking saquinavir or ritonavir for an HIV infection (see ‘Other medicines and Rifadin 300 mg Capsules’ below)
You are currently taking any of the following medicines:
- sofosbuvir – antiviral medicine for treatment of hepatitis C virus infections
- cabotegravir, fostemsavir, lenacapavir – HIV medicines
- lurasidone (medicine for schizophrenia and bipolar disorders) as rifampicin may reduce the blood levels of several medicines including the above listed.

Do not take if any of the above apply to you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Rifadin 300 mg Capsules.

Warnings and precautions

Inform your doctor immediately while taking this medicine

If your symptoms of tuberculosis return or get worse (see section 4).

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Rifadin 300 mg Capsules if:

▲ You have liver problems

▲ You have any kidney problems and if you are having more than 600mg rifampicin per day

▲ You have diabetes. Your diabetes may become more difficult to control while taking this medicine

▲ You feel numb or weak in your arms and legs (peripheral neuropathy)

▲ You are under weight or malnourished

▲ You have a rare blood problem called ‘porphyria’

▲ You have a problem with bleeding or a tendency to bruise easily

▲ You have a history of lung inflammation (interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis)

▲ Your symptoms of tuberculosis return or get worse (see section 4 Possible side effects)

▲ You develop a rash or experience any symptoms of thrombotic microangiopathy during your treatment (see section 4 Possible side effects)

▲ You wear contact lenses. Taking Rifadin 300 mg Capsules may permanently stain soft contact lenses

▲ The person taking this medicine is a child

▲ You are aged 65 years or older

If you are not sure if any of the above apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Rifadin 300 mg Capsules.

Lung inflammation

Inform your doctor immediately while taking this medicine if you develop new or sudden worsening of shortness of breath, possibly with a dry cough or fever not responding to antibiotic treatment. These could be symptoms of lung inflammation (interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis) and can lead to serious breathing problems due to collection of fluid in the lungs and interfere with normal breathing which can lead to life threatening conditions.

Liver problems

You should not take rifampicin, a component of Rifadin 300 mg Capsules, if you have previously taken any rifampicin containing medicinal product and had liver problems. If you are unsure talk to your doctor. Inflammation of the liver has been reported in patients taking rifampicin with symptoms developing within a few days to a few months following the start of treatment. Stop using rifampicin and contact a doctor if you have symptoms of liver problems (see section 4 Possible side effects).

Serious skin reactions

Serious skin reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) have been reported with the use of Rifadin 300 mg Capsules.

SJS/TEN can appear initially as reddish target spots or circular patches often with central blisters on the trunk. Also, ulcers of mouth, throat, nose, genitals and eyes (red and swollen eyes) can occur. These serious skin rashes are often preceded by fever and/or flu-like symptoms. The rashes may progress to widespread peeling of the skin and life-threatening complications or be fatal.
- DRESS appears initially as flu-like symptoms and a rash on the face then an extended rash with a high body temperature, increased levels of liver enzymes seen in blood tests and an increase in a type of white blood cell (eosinophilia) and enlarged lymph nodes.
- AGEP appears at the initiation of treatment as a red, scaly widespread rash with bumps under the skin and blisters accompanied by fever. The most common location: mainly localized on the skin folds, trunk, and upper extremities.

The highest risk for occurrence of serious skin reactions is within 2 days to 2 months after treatment initiation depending on the condition. If you develop a serious rash or another of these skin symptoms, stop taking Rifadin 300 mg Capsules and contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately.

Blood Tests

Your doctor will need to check your blood before you take this medicine. This will help your doctor know if any changes happen to your blood after taking this medicine. You may also need to have regular blood tests to check how your liver is working.

Other medicines and Rifadin 300 mg Capsules

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. This includes medicines you buy without a prescription, including herbal medicines. This is because Rifadin 300 mg Capsules can affect the way some other medicines work. Also, some medicines can affect the way Rifadin 300 mg Capsules work.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant and planning or required to undergo pregnancy termination using mifepristone.

In particular, do not take this medicine, and tell your doctor, if you are taking:

Saquinavir or ritonavir used for HIV infection
Lurasidone used for schizophrenia and bipolar disorders

The following medicines can make Rifadin 300 mg Capsules work less well:

Antacids used for indigestion. Take Rifadin 300 mg Capsules at least 1 hour before taking antacids
Other medicines used for TB such as P-aminosalicyclic acid (PAS). PAS and Rifadin 300 mg Capsules should be taken at least 8 hours apart

Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

Heart and blood medicines

Medicines for high blood pressure
Medicines for heart problems or to control your heartbeat
Medicines used to thin the blood such as warfarin and clopidogrel
Medicines used to lower cholesterol
Water tablets (diuretics) such as eplerenone

Mental health, epilepsy and motor neurone medicines

Medicines for thought disorders known as ‘antipsychotics’ such as haloperidol
Medicines to calm or reduce anxiety (hypnotics, anxiolytics)
Medicines to help you sleep (barbiturates)
Medicines used for epilepsy such as phenytoin
Some medicines used for depression such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline
Riluzole - used for motor neurone disease

Medicines for infections and the immune system

Some medicines used for viral infections such as cabotegravir, fostemsavir, lenacapavir, indinavir, efavirenz, amprenavir, nelfinavir, atazanavir, lopinavir, neviparine, daclatasvir, simeprevir, sofosbuvir and telaprevir
Medication for the treatment of fungal infections such as caspofungin, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole
Medicines used for bacterial infections (antibiotics)
- Dapsone (an antibiotic) with rifampicin may cause haematological toxicity including a decrease in bone marrow and blood cells, and methaemoglobinaemia (decrease in oxygen in your blood caused by changes in red blood cells)
- Medicines used for lowering your immune system such as ciclosporin, sirolimus and tacrolimus
- Praziquantel - used for tapeworm infections
- Atovaquone - used for pneumonia

Hormone and cancer medicines

Some hormone medicines (oestrogen, systemic hormones, progestogens) used for contraception or some types of cancer such as ethinyloestradiol, levonorgestrel or dydrogesterone
Some hormone medicines (anti-oestrogens) used for breast cancer or endometriosis such as tamoxifen, toremifene and gestrinone
Some medicines used for cancer (cytotoxics) such as imatinib
Levothyroxine (thyroid hormone) used for thyroid problems
Irinotecan - used for cancer

Pain, inflammation and gout medicines

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as etoricoxib, aspirin and indomethacin
Medicines used for pain such as codeine, morphine, fentanyl or pethidine
Paracetamol and rifampicin can increase the risk of liver damage
Corticosteroids used for inflammation such as hydrocortisone, betamethasone and prednisolone
Methadone - used for heroin withdrawal

Other medicines

Medicines used for diabetes
Medicines used to relax muscles before surgery (anaesthetics) such as halothane
Some medicines used for feeling sick or being sick such as ondansetron and aprepitant
Other antibiotic medicines such as cefazolin
Quinine - used for malaria
Theophylline - used for wheezing or difficulty in breathing

Taking Rifadin 300 mg Capsules with food and drink

Take Rifadin 300 mg Capsules on an empty stomach. This means at least 30 minutes before food or 2 hours after food.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

Talk to your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant, plan to get pregnant or think you are pregnant.

Rifadin 300 mg Capsules may make the contraceptive “pill” work less well. This means you should change to a different type of contraception. Instead, you must use a reliable barrier method of contraception such as condoms or the “coil” while taking Rifadin 300 mg Capsules. If you have any questions or are unsure about this talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

You should not breast-feed if you are taking Rifadin 300 mg Capsules. This is because small amounts may pass into the mothers’ milk. If you are breastfeeding or planning to breast-feed, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine.

Driving and using machines

You may feel dizzy or faint, have problems with vision or have other side effects that could affect your ability to drive while taking this medicine. If this happens, do not drive or use any tools or machines.

Rifadin 300 mg Capsules contain sodium

The medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per daily dose, that is to say essentially ‘sodium-free’.

608-6482 L-02-2484-01

3. How to take Rifadin 300 mg Capsules

Always take Rifadin 300 mg Capsules exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Rifadin is also available as syrup for children.

Keep taking this medicine

You must take the capsules each day for the whole time the doctor has told you to take them
Do not stop and start taking the capsules. This may increase the risk of side effects and your infection will not be treated properly

How to take the capsules

Take this medicine by mouth
Swallow the capsules whole, with a drink of water
Take at least 30 minutes before a meal or 2 hours after a meal.
If you feel the effect of your medicine is too weak or too strong, do not change the dose yourself, but ask your doctor

How much to take

How much you will be given will depend on your age and on the type of illness.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Rifadin should be given with at least one other medicine for TB
The usual dose is:
- Patients weighing less than 50kg: A single daily dose of 450 mg
- Patients weighing more than 50kg: A single daily dose of 600 mg
- Children: 10 mg – 20 mg per kilogram of body weight each day. The maximum dose is 600 mg each day

Leprosy

Rifadin should always be given with at least one other medicine for leprosy
Your doctor may prescribe a monthly or daily dose.
The usual dose is:
- Patients weighing less than 50kg: A single daily dose of 450 mg
- Patients weighing more than 50kg: A single daily dose of 600 mg

Brucellosis, Legionnaires Disease or other serious bacterial infections

Rifadin should be used together with another antibiotic
The amount you are given will depend on how severe your infection is:
- Adults: 600 mg – 1200 mg each day. The dose is given in 2 – 4 divided doses

Stopping the development of Meningitis

The usual dose is:
- Adults: 600 mg twice each day for two days
- Children (1 -12 years): 10 mg per kilogram of bodyweight, twice each day for two days
- Children (3 months - 1 year): 5 mg per kilogram twice each day for two days

Stopping the development of Haemophilus Influenzae:

Everybody in the same house needs to be treated under the doctor's direction
The usual dose is:
- Adults and Children: 20 mg per kilogram body weight each day for four days. No more than 600 mg should be given.
- Neonates (1 month): 10 mg/kg each day for 4 days

Elderly patients

Your doctor may need to monitor you more closely.

People with Liver problems

You should not be given any more than 8mg per kilogram of body weight each day.

If you take more Rifadin 300 mg Capsules than you should

If you take more Rifadin 300 mg Capsules than you should, tell a doctor or go to a hospital casualty department straight away. Take the medicine pack with you. This is so the doctor knows what you have taken.

You may feel sick (nausea), be sick (vomiting), have stomach pain, itching or a headache. You may also feel tired, sleepy, dizzy or light-headed. Other signs of taking too much includes swelling of the face, eyes or eyelids, slurring of speech, difficulty breathing, fast heartbeat, uneven heartbeats, fits and heart attack.

If you forget to take Rifadin 300 mg Capsules

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for the forgotten capsules.

If you stop taking Rifadin 300 mg Capsules

Keep taking Rifadin 300 mg Capsules until your doctor tells you to stop. Do not stop taking Rifadin 300 mg Capsules just because you feel better. If you stop, your infection may get worse.

Tests

Taking Rifadin 300 mg Capsules may affect the results of some blood tests. In particular, tests for folate, vitamin B12 and liver function. If you are going to have a blood test, it is important to tell your doctor that you are taking Rifadin 300 mg Capsules.

If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

4. Possible side effects

Like all medicines, Rifadin 300 mg Capsules can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Stop taking and go to a hospital straight away if you notice any of the following serious side effects:

You have an allergic reaction. The signs may include: a rash, swallowing or breathing problems, wheezing, swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue.
Nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting (being sick), fever, feeling tired, loss of appetite (anorexia), dark-coloured urine, light coloured faeces, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, itching, rash or upper stomach pain. These symptoms may be signs of liver injury.
Serious skin rashes including Steven-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis. These can appear as reddish target-like macules or circular patches often with central blisters on the trunk, skin peeling, ulcers of mouth, throat, nose, genitals and eyes and can be preceded by fever and flu-like symptoms. See also section 2.
Widespread rash, high body temperature, liver enzyme elevations, blood abnormalities (eosinophilia), enlarged lymph nodes and other body organs involvement (Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms which is also known as DRESS or drug hypersensitivity syndrome). See also section 2.
A red, scaly widespread rash with bumps under the skin and blisters accompanied by fever at the initiation of treatment (acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis). See also section 2.
You bruise more easily than usual. Or you may have a painful rash of dark red spots under the skin which do not go away when you press on them (purpura). This could be because of a serious blood problem.
You have high blood levels of uric acid
You have severe bleeding (haemorrhage).
Paradoxical drug reaction - Symptoms of tuberculosis can return, or new symptoms can occur after initial improvement during treatment. Paradoxical reactions have been reported as early as 2 weeks and as late as 18 months after beginning anti-tuberculosis treatment. Paradoxical reactions are typically associated with fever, swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenitis), breathlessness, and cough. Patients with paradoxical drug reaction can also experience headaches, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
You have chills, tiredness, unusually pale skin colour, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat or dark-coloured urine. This could be signs of a serious type of anaemia.
- You have blood in your urine or an increase or decrease in amount of urine you produce. You may also get swelling, especially of the legs, ankles or feet. This may be caused by serious kidney problems.
- You have a sudden severe headache. This could be a sign of bleeding in the brain.
- New or sudden worsening of shortness of breath and wheezing, possibly with a cough or fever. These could be symptoms of inflammation of the lungs (interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis).
- You get confused, sleepy, cold clammy skin, shallow or difficult breathing, a racing heartbeat or your skin is paler than normal. These could be signs of shock.
- You get more infections more easily than normal. Signs include fever, sore throat or mouth ulcers. This could be because you have a low number of white blood cells.
- You have bleeding from your nose, ear, gums, throat, skin or stomach. Signs may include a feeling of tenderness and swelling in your stomach, purple spots on your skin and black or tar-like stools.
- Mental problems with unusual thoughts and strange visions (hallucinations).
- Severe watery diarrhoea that will not stop and you are feeling weak and have a fever. This may be something called ‘Pseudomembranous colitis’.
- Flu-like symptoms including chills, fever, headache, dizziness and bone pains.
- Inflammation of the liver – yellowing of the skin and white part of eyes, increase in the blood level of liver enzymes.
- Blood clots in small blood vessels (thrombotic microangiopathy) – Symptoms may include increased bruising, bleeding, fever, extreme weakness, headache, dizziness or light-headedness. Your doctor may find changes in your blood and the function of your kidneys.

Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you have any of the following side effects:

Water retention (oedema) which may cause swollen face, stomach, arms or legs.
Muscle weakness or pain or loss of muscle reflexes.
Dizziness, feel lightheaded and faint especially when you stand or sit up quickly (due to low blood pressure).
Swollen fingers, toes or ankles.
Being unable to concentrate, feeling nervous, irritable or depressed.
Feeling very tired and weak or difficulty sleeping (insomnia).
Short-term memory loss, anxiety, being less alert or responsive.
Wasting of muscles or other body tissues.
Weight loss, night sweats and fever. These could be signs of a blood condition called eosinophilia.
Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting).

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects get serious or lasts longer than a few days:

Skin flushing or itching.
Irregular periods.
Diarrhoea or stomach discomfort.
Loss of appetite (anorexia).
Headache.

Other side effects you should discuss with your doctor if you are concerned about them

You notice a discolouration (yellow, brown, orange or red colour) in your teeth, urine, sweat, phlegm (sputum), saliva or tears.

This is quite common, and you need not worry. However, the colour may permanently stain soft contact lenses. The colour in tears may last for some time after you have stopped having Rifadin 300 mg Capsules.

Blood tests

A blood test may show changes in the way the liver is working.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. How to store Rifadin 300 mg Capsules

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not use Rifadin 300 mg Capsules after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and blister packs after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

Do not store above 25°C.

Store in the original package.

If your medicine shows any signs of deterioration or discolouration, consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice. If damaged, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

6. Contents of the pack and other information

What Rifadin 300 mg Capsules contain:

Each capsule contains 300 mg of the active ingredient, rifampicin.
The other ingredients are corn starch and magnesium stearate. The capsules contain gelatin, erythrosine E127, indigotine E132, titanium dioxide E171.

What Rifadin 300 mg Capsules look like and contents of the pack

Rifadin 300 mg Capsules are red, hard, gelatin capsules marked R-300 on both cap and body.

Rifadin 300 mg Capsules are available in blister packs of 56 and 104 capsules.

Manufactured by: Sanofi S.r.l., Via Valcanello, 4, 03012 Anagni (FR), Italy. Procured from within the EU. Product Licence Holder: Quadrant Pharmaceuticals Limited, Lynstock House, Lynstock Way, Lostock, Bolton, BL6 4SA. Repackaged by: Maxearn Limited, Unit 29, Oakhill Trading Estate, Devonshire Road, Worsley, Manchester, M28 3PT.

PL 20774/2484 Rifadin 300 mg Capsules

Rifadin is a registered trademark of Sanofi S.p.A.

This leaflet was last revised 18^thMay 2026

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This leaflet does not contain all the information required about your medicine. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist