Rifadin side effects
rifampin
This side effect is printed on the FDA label for Rifadin. It was a question in our daily quiz, where you pick the real side effect from four choices.
Orange tears that can stain contact lenses
Teeth, urine, sweat and tears can all go orange-red. Soft contacts may stay that way.
“rifampin may produce a discoloration (yellow, orange, red, brown) of the teeth, urine, sweat, sputum, and tears, and the patient should be forewarned of this. Soft contact lenses may be permanently stained.”
The color is harmless, but leave soft contacts out. Rifampin can also make birth control pills less effective.
67 reports to the FDA's adverse event system mention discolored urine, tears or teeth, or contact lens trouble. A report is not proof the drug caused it. See the query
From quiz No. 3 · September 27, 2026 · Play that quiz →
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Not medical advice. Don't stop or start a medication because of a quiz. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Label text and report counts from openFDA. Not affiliated with any drug maker.