Rifampin and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• LWD...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2015

For Tuberculosis, Latent "I just finished a 4-month regimen of Rifampin. It was prescribed when I was tested for TB in preparation for starting on a biologic for rheumatoid arthritis. I have no idea how/when I was exposed to TB, but I couldn't start the biologic until the latent TB was addressed. I will never know if it was 'effective' since I will always test positive for TB antigens, but I'm glad I took it-I didn't have much of a choice! It was not an easy medication to take, but I got through the course of treatment better than I anticipated. I did have slight nausea at the beginning and intermittent watery diarrhea throughout. I don't know if the other side effects (fatigue, primarily) I experienced were side effects of Rifampin or symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis."

• GMC...
• February 7, 2013

For Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare, Treatment "Currently on rifampin therapy along with ethambutol, Zithromax, IV amikacin, and Prilosec for the MAC. Experiencing numerous side effects to include diarrhea, nausea, intermittent episodes of severe vomiting, extreme fatigue, headaches (almost all the time), dizziness, double vision, generalized body aches, and severe cramps in my extremities. It is hard to tell which drug is the culprit. I have experienced two incidents of elevated liver enzymes, which have returned back to within normal limits so far. At this point in my therapy, there has been no documented improvement, but I am told to expect it to take up to two years of therapy for a cure. I will update my experience as time progresses."

• GON...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 5, 2017

For Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare, Treatment "This is my update from the previous comment; I've been on this drug, 3 150 mg caps daily, since 10/2012, with a 6-month break after 2 years, at which time I regressed and had to be restarted on it; there are side effects I listed in the previous review; my diarrhea is better; fast heart rate; currently experiencing high feelings of anxiety, intermittent fever and chills; periodic severe left side pain in the pancreas area; increased lethargy, weakness, painful joints, especially hips, knees, and finger joints; weight of 85 lbs; are newer and becoming a bit problematic, but I was advised when taken off my drugs for 6 months, that if I require restarting therapy, I would remain on them for life. I'm at the end of my 5th year now! I tend to require hospitalization each November."

• Nev...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 21, 2020

For Tuberculosis, Latent "Diagnosed with latent TB. So I took the 4-month treatment option, 600 mg dosage, thinking that would be the easy route. After a week, I had constant diarrhea and developed hives, a skin rash. Also developed joint pain around ankles and behind my knees. I told the doctor and immediately stopped taking Rifampin. It's been 4 weeks since that time, the hives are still there, but luckily no more diarrhea, and joint pain has lessened."

• Min...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2020

For Tuberculosis, Latent "I was prescribed Rifampin in January of 2020 for latent TB. I have about 3 more weeks. When I first started taking it, I only had headaches. The headaches subsided. As the months go by, it gets worse. I now have no appetite, consistent diarrhea, extreme fatigue, and nausea. I had to take this medication to be able to continue taking my RA medication. I will be so glad when this is over. It seems as if there is nothing that can be done."