LymeNet Flash: Taking Rifampin on Empty Stomach

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » Taking Rifampin on Empty Stomach - Question Please

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Topic: Taking Rifampin on Empty Stomach - Question Please

willbeatthis
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 31111

posted

Hi Everyone:
I take Rifampin for Bart with Azith and

Plaquenil. To my knowledge, Rifampin is the only

one that needs the empty stomach. Right now my

stomach is torn up from taking everything without

food. Can I just take the Rifampin an hour

before my other meds with food? Or will that

mess up the Azith action that keeps you from

getting resistant Bart- I thought Azith stays in

your blood longer so shouldn't I be okay?

Any help with this is GREATLY appreciated. On the

up side, I have no pain in my feet when I take

the Rifampin on an empty stomach... Oh HAPPY Day!

Posts: 859 | From Southeast | Registered: Mar 2011 | IP: Logged |

Starfall
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 26795

posted

I could never take it on an empty stomach; I always took it with food, though away from other meds.

Posts: 303 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Jul 2010 | IP: Logged |

Dekrator48
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18239

posted

I take my Rifampin 1 hr before a meal. Should also be taken at least 2 hrs after food.

So far I have not had any stomach problems from this.

I would do like you said, try to take the Rifampin 1 hr before eating and then take your other meds with food unless the prescription bottle says to take it otherwise.

--------------------
The fibromyalgia I've had for 32 years was an undiagnosed Lyme symptom.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". -Jeremiah 29:11

Posts: 6076 | From Pennsylvania, USA | Registered: Nov 2008 | IP: Logged |

AnnaOD20
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 29942

posted

I take Rifampin twice a day. I take it as soon as I wake up and right before I go to bed.

I have not had any problems w/ taking it on an empty stomach.

I also take Lyme Transfer Factor and a multi transfer factor at the same time (since they need to be w/out food too).

I usually wait a hour or so before taking Ceftin and Flagyl (take those 2 together).

It is SO hard to space out all the abx and supplements. I tend to take the abx close together and try to space out the supplements.

I have been on Rifampin for 3 months and at my last appt my LLNP said my Bart numbers are showing stabilization.

Good luck!

Posts: 376 | From New York | Registered: Jan 2011 | IP: Logged |

little_olive
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 28063

posted

Rifampin does need to be taken on an empty stomach to absorb properly. You can tell how well it absorbs by how orange your urine turns a few hours later. If it's not orange, things aren't absorbing.

I take Rifampin in the morning and night, an hour before eating, and Zithro in the middle of the day with a meal because it's very hard on the stomach. My LLMD told me to take them seperately for this reason. It should be fine. [Smile]

little olive

Posts: 512 | From USA | Registered: Sep 2010 | IP: Logged |

willbeatthis
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 31111

posted

Thanks Little olive and all... this is a big help. I think the zithro might be the culprit... gosh... hard on the tummy... I have been rather misearable but pain free in my feet which is a MIRACLE. Thank you... ALL!

Posts: 859 | From Southeast | Registered: Mar 2011 | IP: Logged |

Lymetoo
Moderator
Member # 743

posted

Yes... be sure to take the other meds with FOOD!

--------------------
--Lymetutu--
Opinions, not medical advice!

Posts: 96223 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001 | IP: Logged |

little_olive
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 28063

posted

Posts: 512 | From USA | Registered: Sep 2010 | IP: Logged |

Bluemoon
Unregistered

posted

I have taken most of my ABX without food, including doxy, without ill effects. In fact, my digestion was better when taking doxy without food, though I know many cannot tolerate it.

IP: Logged |

willbeatthis
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 31111

posted

You all are the best... I am so glad to have you along side me on this journey... someone asked me what the most adventuresome thing I had done in the last year and immediately I thought, lived with Lyme and cos... It has been an adventure. Thank you all for your support...

Posts: 859 | From Southeast | Registered: Mar 2011 | IP: Logged |

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