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Priftin

Generic name: rifapentineRIF-a-PEN-teen ]
Drug class: Rifamycin derivatives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Nov 30, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Priftin?

Priftin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria.

Priftin is used together with other medicines to treat active tuberculosis (TB) in adults and children who are at least 12 years old.

Priftin is also used to keep inactive (latent) TB from becoming active in adults and children who are at least 2 years old.

Priftin must always be used in combination with other tuberculosis medications.

Priftin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Priftin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Priftin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Priftin can cause changes in the color of your skin or body fluids. You may notice a red-orange appearance of your skin, tears, sweat, saliva, urine, or stools. Your teeth, tongue, or the inside of your mouth may also appear red-orange. This discoloration can permanently stain contact lenses or dentures.

Common side effects of Priftin may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take Priftin if you are allergic to Priftin, rifabutin (Mycobutin), or rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rimactane, Rifamate).

To make sure Priftin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Priftin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

Priftin can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using non hormonal birth control (condom, diaphragm with spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.

It is not known whether rifapentine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine. Rifapentine may cause a red-orange discoloration of breast milk.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I take Priftin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take with food.

To make swallowing easier, you may crush the Priftin tablet and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of pudding, applesauce, or other soft food. Swallow this mixture right away. Do not save the mixture for later use.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your TB may get better and then come back if you do not take Priftin as directed. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. This medicine will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using Priftin.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Priftin?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop using Priftin and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

What other drugs will affect Priftin?

Many drugs can interact with Priftin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.