All of the following are side effects of Rifampicin Except:

JODHPUR AIIMS SNO-2018

Pharmacology

Easy

Appeared in: JODHPUR AIIMS SNO-2018

Explanation

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is not a recognized adverse effect of Rifampicin.
While Rifampicin has a broad side effect profile affecting the liver, GI tract, and CNS, it does not cause an increase in blood pressure.
In rare instances of severe hypersensitivity reactions, Rifampicin can lead to shock, which is characterized by profound hypotension (low blood pressure), the opposite of hypertension.

Option A: Dizziness is a known, though less common, central nervous system side effect of Rifampicin.
Option B: Anorexia (loss of appetite) is a common gastrointestinal side effect associated with Rifampicin, along with nausea and vomiting.
Option C: Orange-colored urine is a very common, harmless, and characteristic side effect of Rifampicin. The drug itself is reddish-brown and is excreted in body fluids, causing discoloration.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Adverse effects of the anti-tubercular drug Rifampicin as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A primary nursing responsibility is patient education. When a patient starts Rifampicin, the nurse must explain that their urine, sweat, and tears will turn an orange-red color. This prevents patient anxiety and non-adherence due to fear that something is wrong.
Nurses must monitor for signs of hepatotoxicity, the most serious adverse effect. This includes observing for jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes), dark urine (beyond the expected orange), and monitoring liver function tests as ordered.
What if? If a patient on Rifampicin reports yellowing of their skin and eyes, the nurse's priority action is to instruct the patient to hold the medication and notify the prescribing physician immediately, as this is a sign of potentially severe liver injury.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keyword 'Except' in the question stem. This tells you that three of the options are true side effects of Rifampicin, and one is not.
Second, recall the common side effect profile of Rifampicin, which is a first-line anti-tubercular drug.
Third, evaluate each option. Think about the most characteristic side effects. Orange-colored urine is a hallmark of Rifampicin.
Fourth, consider other common side effects. GI disturbances like anorexia and CNS effects like dizziness are known to occur.
Fifth, evaluate the remaining option, 'Hypertension'. This is not a commonly cited side effect. In fact, severe reactions can cause the opposite (hypotension).
Finally, select the option that is not a side effect, which in this case is Hypertension.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Adverse effects of the anti-tubercular drug Rifampicin.
Stem keywords: side effects, Rifampicin
Lead-in keywords: Except
Negative lead-in flag: Question asks to identify the option that is NOT a side effect.

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