R cin is a bactericidal antibiotic drug of the Rifampicin group. It was introduced as a major addition to the cocktail-drug treatment of tuberculosis and inactive meningitis (inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord) along with ethambutol, isoniazid, streptomycin, and pyrazinamide.

R cin should preferably be given at least thirty minutes before meals since absorption is reduced when consumed with food. Rifampicin should be administered as a combination therapy.

The maximum dose should not exceed 600 mg daily. Your doctor will decide the correct dosing regimen based on your condition. Therefore, it is important to use this medicine under the supervision of a doctor. 

R cin should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to rifampicin and jaundice. The Rifampicin group of drugs is not suitable for use in children. It should not be given to patients with an acute liver disorder or severe liver impairment. Coadministration of R cin is contraindicated with voriconazole, HIV protease inhibitor, and medicines used for hepatitis C (ledipasvir, boceprevir, sofosbuvir, and daclatasvir). Possible interactions include antiretroviral agents, atorvastatin, celecoxib, rosiglitazone, lorazepam, caspofungin, and clarithromycin. The Rifampicin group of drugs may cause liver toxicity. Whenever possible, R cin capsules should be avoided in patients with pre-existing liver problems due to the risk of liver toxicity. Patients should be strongly advised to restrict their intake of alcoholic beverages while receiving this antibacterial drug. The group of patients especially at risk for developing hepatitis include:

    — Daily users of alcohol

    — Intravenous drug users

    — Patients with active chronic liver disease

    — Age >35 years

Patients should be instructed to report symptoms consistent with liver damage and other side effects immediately. These include unexplained anorexia, dark urine, rah, nausea, vomiting, persistent paraesthesia of the hands and feet, persistent fatigue, weakness of greater than three days duration, or abdominal tenderness.      

The most important side effect of R cin is liver toxicity, particularly cholestatic and skin reactions. Rifampicin may also cause jaundice. Flushing and itching with or with a rash may occur. However, these cutaneous reactions are mild, self-limiting, and do not appear hypersensitive. Urticaria and more serious hypersensitivity cutaneous reactions may occur and are uncommon. Gastrointestinal reactions include anorexia, vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort. Psychoses have rarely been reported.

If serious complications arise, such as thrombocytopenia, renal failure or hemolytic anaemia, rifampicin should be stopped and never restarted. Occasional menstrual cycle disturbances have been reported in women receiving long-term antituberculosis treatment with a regimen containing rifampicin. R cin may produce a reddish discolouration of urine, sweat tears, and sputum. Soft contact lenses may be permanently stained.