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What Causes Itchy Skin While On Rifampicin?

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Posted on Wed, 15 Jun 2016
Question: i have tb in lymph nodes. I have been taking akt 4 and benadon for about 2 weeks now. but from last 3 days , i've been having severe continuous itching without rashes after taking my rifampicin dose . the itching lasts for about 3 hours. what could be causing it? also is rifampicin a necessary drug for tb treatment ? If so then how shoould i proceed?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
This is common side effect of rifampicin and isoniazid.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Itching without rash is common side effect of rifampicin and isoniazid.
No need to worry for this.
Get done liver function test to rule out drug induced hepatitis as this cant also cause itching.
If liver function test is normal then take antihistamine (levocetrizine or fexofenadine) for itching.
Don't stop rifampicin. It is very important drug in tb treatment.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (6 minutes later)
I have taken levocitrizine. It did not help . The itching is unbearable. And yes my liver function test was normal
doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (4 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
How much levocetrizine you are taking?

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.. Please let me know
1. How much levocetrizine you are taking?
I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (26 minutes later)
I took one tablet, I've also tried avil and allegara. None of them helped
doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (33 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Do you have dry skin.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Please let me know
1. Have you checked for hypothyroidism?
2. Do you have dry skin?
3. Is itching more in night?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Drkaushal85

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Practicing since :2008

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What Causes Itchy Skin While On Rifampicin?

Brief Answer: This is common side effect of rifampicin and isoniazid. Detailed Answer: Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. Itching without rash is common side effect of rifampicin and isoniazid. No need to worry for this. Get done liver function test to rule out drug induced hepatitis as this cant also cause itching. If liver function test is normal then take antihistamine (levocetrizine or fexofenadine) for itching. Don't stop rifampicin. It is very important drug in tb treatment. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.