COMBUNEX 800MG TABLET

Uses and Benefits of COMBUNEX 800MG TABLET (Ethambutol 800mg + Isoniazid 300mg)

This medicine is used to treat tuberculosis (TB), a bacterial infection that most commonly affects the lungs but can affect other parts of the body too.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Treatment of active pulmonary and certain extra-pulmonary tuberculosis, as part of combination therapy
• Used along with other anti-TB drugs to prevent resistance
• Continuation or intensive phase of TB treatment as advised by your doctor

HOW IT WORKS

• Isoniazid kills actively multiplying TB bacteria by blocking formation of their cell wall
• Ethambutol stops TB bacteria from multiplying by interfering with their cell wall building process
• Together they act on the bacteria from different angles, reducing chances of drug resistance

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not used for viral infections like cold or flu
• Not a painkiller or fever reducer
• Not used alone for TB; always combined with other anti-TB drugs as per standard treatment
• Not for treating latent TB infection unless specifically advised by your doctor

Side Effects of COMBUNEX 800MG TABLET (Ethambutol 800mg + Isoniazid 300mg)

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Mild stomach upset
• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Joint pain
• Skin rash or itching
• Headache
• Dizziness

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine (signs of liver problems)
• Sudden vision changes, blurred vision, or difficulty distinguishing colours (especially red-green)
• Severe skin reaction with blistering or peeling
• Signs of severe allergic reaction such as swelling of face/lips/throat or difficulty breathing
• Unexplained fever, extreme tiredness, or loss of appetite
• Numbness, tingling or weakness that gets worse

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

How to Use COMBUNEX 800MG TABLET (Ethambutol 800mg + Isoniazid 300mg)

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once daily
• Preferably take on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after food, unless your doctor advises otherwise
• Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew unless instructed
• Take at the same time every day to maintain a regular schedule
• Complete the full course of treatment even if you feel better; stopping early can cause the infection to return or become drug-resistant
• Your doctor may ask for regular eye tests and liver function tests during treatment

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one
• Try not to miss doses, as irregular use can lead to treatment failure or resistance

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep in the original pack until use
• Keep out of reach of children

Safety Information and Precautions for COMBUNEX 800MG TABLET (Ethambutol 800mg + Isoniazid 300mg)

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to ethambutol, isoniazid, or any other ingredient in this medicine
• Have a history of optic neuritis or other eye conditions affecting vision, unless cleared by your doctor
• Have severe liver disease, unless specifically advised by your doctor

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have any existing liver or kidney disease
• Have diabetes, especially with eye involvement
• Have a history of seizures or nerve problems
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Drink alcohol regularly
• Have any known vision problems

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Antacids containing aluminium (can reduce absorption of these medicines)
• Other liver-affecting medicines, including certain painkillers
• Phenytoin and other anti-seizure medicines
• Anticoagulants like warfarin
• Other TB medicines being used in combination therapy

This is a prescription-only medicine in India and should only be used under the supervision of a registered doctor treating tuberculosis.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I stop the medicine once I feel better?

No, stopping early can cause the infection to come back and become resistant to treatment; always complete the full course as advised.

Will this medicine affect my eyesight?

Ethambutol can rarely affect vision, so your doctor may recommend periodic eye check-ups during treatment.

Can I drink alcohol while taking this medicine?

• Alcohol increases the risk of liver damage with this medicine, so it is best avoided during treatment.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.