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Rifabutin

Rifabutin Side Effects

Allison Gourley, PharmDKristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Reviewed by Allison Gourley, PharmD, Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on June 20, 2023

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Less Common Side Effects

  • Stomach pain
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Low appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Upset stomach
  • Excessive gas
  • Vomiting
  • Muscle pain
  • Change in taste

Rifabutin serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

  • Severe skin or allergic reaction: fever, body aches, rash, swelling of your lips or tongue, trouble breathing, blistering or peeling skin
  • Infectious diarrhea: fever, tiredness, stomach pain, watery diarrhea, loose stools multiple times a day

Source: DailyMed

The following Rifabutin side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Black, tarry stools

chest pain

chills

cough

diarrhea

fever

heartburn

indigestion

itching or skin rash

loss of appetite

loss of strength or energy

muscle pain

painful or difficult urination

sore throat

ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare

Bruising or purple spots on the skin

change in taste

eye pain

joint pain

loss of vision

lower back or side pain

muscle swelling or pain

pale skin

yellow skin

Incidence not known

Burning, dry, or itching eyes

discharge, excessive tearing

hoarseness

redness, pain, swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid

stomach cramps, pain, or tenderness

watery and severe diarrhea, which may also be bloody

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste in the mouth

belching

bloated or full feeling

discoloration of the urine

excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines

headache

nausea

passing gas

trouble sleeping

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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