Rifampicin

Anti-TB antibiotic
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Rifampicin is a anti-TB antibiotic found in 1 medicine sold in India, such as R-Cinex 450. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

Also called: rifampin

What it is used for

Treats tuberculosis (TB) as part of a combination course.

How it works

A key TB antibiotic, always combined with others; also for leprosy and some serious infections.

How to take it

Take on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before breakfast, every day for the full course (often 6 months). Urine, tears and sweat turn orange-red; soft contact lenses can stain.

Common side effects

  • Orange urine and tears (harmless)
  • Nausea
  • Flu-like symptoms with irregular use

Get medical help straight away if

  • Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, vomiting (liver)
  • Bruising

Be careful

Turns urine and tears orange-red; many drug interactions including birth-control pills. Never stop the course early.

Other medicines and interactions

Makes many medicines much weaker, including the contraceptive pill (use condoms), warfarin, some HIV medicines, steroids and diabetes medicines.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Standard TB treatment is used in pregnancy (untreated TB is more dangerous) and while breastfeeding.

Combination medicines that contain Rifampicin (1)

R-Cinex 450

Common questions

What is Rifampicin used for?

Treats tuberculosis (TB) as part of a combination course.

How does Rifampicin work?

A key TB antibiotic, always combined with others; also for leprosy and some serious infections.

How should I take Rifampicin?

Take on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before breakfast, every day for the full course (often 6 months). Urine, tears and sweat turn orange-red; soft contact lenses can stain.

What are the side effects of Rifampicin?

Common: Orange urine and tears (harmless), nausea, flu-like symptoms with irregular use. Get help straight away for: Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, vomiting (liver), bruising.

Does Rifampicin interact with other medicines?

Makes many medicines much weaker, including the contraceptive pill (use condoms), warfarin, some HIV medicines, steroids and diabetes medicines.

Is Rifampicin safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Standard TB treatment is used in pregnancy (untreated TB is more dangerous) and while breastfeeding.

Does Rifampicin need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Rifampicin?

R-Cinex 450.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.