Rifampicin 225mg + Isoniazid 150mg + Pyrazinamide 750mg + Ethambutol 400mg

Rifampicin 225mg + Isoniazid 150mg + Pyrazinamide 750mg + Ethambutol 400mg — Uses and Benefits

This medicine combination is used to treat active pulmonary and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) infection.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Treatment of active TB disease affecting the lungs or other body parts
• Used during the initial intensive phase of TB treatment
• Given as part of the DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment) programme in India

HOW IT WORKS

• Rifampicin and Isoniazid kill actively multiplying TB bacteria
• Pyrazinamide kills bacteria hiding inside cells, including slow-growing ones
• Ethambutol stops bacteria from multiplying and prevents resistance
• Together, the four medicines attack TB bacteria from multiple angles for faster, more complete cure

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not used for viral infections like cold, flu, or COVID-19
• Not used for ordinary bacterial infections other than TB
• Not to be used for latent TB (without active disease) unless specifically advised
• Not a painkiller or fever medicine

This medicine should only be taken under the guidance of a doctor treating you for tuberculosis, as the course usually lasts several months and must be completed fully.

How to Use Rifampicin 225mg + Isoniazid 150mg + Pyrazinamide 750mg + Ethambutol 400mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once daily
• Take on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before food, for best absorption
• Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew unless advised
• Do not stop the medicine even if you feel better — complete the full course
• Do not skip doses, as this can lead to drug-resistant TB
• Avoid alcohol during treatment as it increases risk of liver damage

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember on the same day
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one
• Try to take doses at the same time every day to build a routine

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct heat and sunlight
• Keep in the original pack, protected from moisture
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack

Rifampicin 225mg + Isoniazid 150mg + Pyrazinamide 750mg + Ethambutol 400mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or mild stomach upset
• Orange-red discolouration of urine, sweat, or tears (harmless)
• Joint pain
• Tiredness

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Skin rash or itching
• Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• Headache
• Dizziness

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine (signs of liver damage)
• Severe vomiting or loss of appetite
• Blurred vision or difficulty distinguishing colours (may indicate eye toxicity from Ethambutol)
• Severe skin reactions such as blistering or peeling skin
• Unexplained bleeding or bruising
• Fever with rash or breathing difficulty (allergic reaction)
• Persistent numbness, tingling, or weakness in limbs

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

Rifampicin 225mg + Isoniazid 150mg + Pyrazinamide 750mg + Ethambutol 400mg — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription in India and must be taken under medical supervision, usually as part of a national TB control programme.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol, or any ingredient in this medicine
• Have severe active liver disease
• Have acute gout (due to Pyrazinamide)
• Have optic neuritis or other eye conditions affecting vision, without doctor approval

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have liver or kidney disease
• Have diabetes
• Have a history of gout or high uric acid levels
• Have any eye problems
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Drink alcohol regularly
• Are taking other medicines, including herbal or over-the-counter products
• Use hormonal contraceptives, as this medicine may reduce their effectiveness

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Oral contraceptive pills (reduced effectiveness)
• Blood thinners like warfarin
• Other liver-affecting medicines
• Antacids (may reduce absorption; space doses apart)
• HIV medicines and certain antifungal medicines
• Diabetes medicines

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I stop the medicine once I feel better?

No, stopping early can cause the infection to return and lead to drug-resistant TB; complete the full course as advised.

Will my urine really turn orange?

Yes, this is a harmless and expected effect of Rifampicin and will go away after stopping the medicine.

Can I drink alcohol during treatment?

• No, alcohol increases the risk of liver damage and should be avoided throughout the treatment course.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.