Baseline tests are unnecessary in children unless a complicating condition is known or clinically suspected.

Because of the possibility of immunological reaction including anaphylaxis (see section 4.8 Undesirable effects) occurring with intermittent therapy (less than 2 to 3 times per week) patients should be closely monitored. Patients should be cautioned against interrupting treatment.

Rifampicin has enzyme induction properties that can enhance the metabolism of endogenous substrates including adrenal hormones, thyroid hormones and vitamin D. Isolated reports have associated porphyria exacerbation with rifampicin administration.

Severe, systemic hypersensitivity reactions, including fatal cases, such as Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) syndrome have been observed during treatment with anti-tuberculosis therapy (See section 4.8).

It is important to note that early manifestations of hypersensitivity, such as fever, lymphadenopathy or biological abnormalities (including eosinophilia, liver abnormalities) may be present even though rash is not evident. If such signs or symptoms are present, the patient should be advised to consult immediately their physician.

Rifadin capsules should be discontinued if an alternative etiology for the signs and symptoms cannot be established.

Rifadin capsules may produce a reddish coloration of the urine, sweat, sputum and tears, and the patient should be forewarned of this. Soft contact lenses have been permanently stained.

All patients with abnormalities should have follow up examinations, including laboratory testing, if necessary.
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Cytochrome P-450 enzyme interaction

Rifampicin is a potent inducer of certain cytochrome P-450 enzymes. Coadministration of rifampicin with other drugs that are also metabolised through these cytochrome P-450 enzymes may accelerate the metabolism and reduce the activity of these other drugs. Therefore, caution should be used when prescribing rifampicin with drugs metabolised by cytochrome P-450. To maintain optimum therapeutic blood levels, dosages of drugs metabolised by these enzymes may require adjustment when starting or stopping concomitantly administered rifampicin.

Examples of drugs metabolised by cytochrome P-450 enzymes are:

• Antiarrhythmics (e.g. disopyramide, mexiletine, quinidine, propafenone, tocainide),

• Antiepileptics (e.g. phenytoin),

• Hormone antagonist (antiestrogens e.g. tamoxifen, toremifene, gestinone),

• Antipsychotics (e.g. haloperidol, aripiprazole),

• Anticoagulants (e.g. coumarins),

• Antifungals (e.g. fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole),

• Antivirals (e.g. saquinavir, indinavir, efavirenz, amprenavir, nelfinavir, atazanavir, lopinavir, nevirapine),

• Barbiturates

• Beta-blockers (e.g. bisoprolol, propanolol),

• Anxiolytics and hypnotics (e.g. diazepam, benzodiazepines, zolpicolone, zolpidem),

• Calcium channel blockers (e.g. diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil, nimodipine, isradipine, nicardipine, nisoldipine),

• Ant