Rifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid
About
Rifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid belongs to the group of antibiotics called 'antituberculosis agents' used to treat tuberculosis (TB) caused by the bacteria mycobacterium tuberculin. Infectious or harmful bacteria can make you sick and reproduce quickly in your body. These harmful bacteria produce toxins which can damage tissue and make you sick. Tuberculosis (TB) usually attacks your lungs and can also spread to the brain and spine. Common signs and symptoms of TB include fever, cough (sometimes blood-tinged), weight loss, and night sweats.
Rifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid contains Rifampicin, Ethambutol, and Isoniazid. Rifampicin inhibits DNA synthesis (a process required for bacterial growth and division). On the other hand, Ethambutol and Isoniazid prevent bacterial cell wall (outer covering) synthesis necessary for its growth. This ultimately prevents or kills the bacteria and prevents its spread.
Rifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid should be taken as directed by the doctor. You may experience common side effects like nausea, vomiting, fever, dark-coloured urine, sweating, and increased saliva. Everyone need not undergo the above symptoms. If any discomfort occurs from this medicine, consult your doctor.
People with liver and kidney diseases should take Rifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid only after consulting with a doctor. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should take Rifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid as instructed by the doctor. Do not take this medicine with alcohol which causes drowsiness. While on the medication, your doctor advises some diagnostic and laboratory tests to know the effects of drugs on the body. Use of Rifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid may also affect oral contraceptive pills, so if you are using any, please consult a doctor and ask for some other birth control methods. You may experience dark-coloured urine and yellowing of teeth after using Rifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid. However, these are harmless symptoms and may go after stopping Rifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid.
Uses of Rifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid
Medicinal Benefits
Rifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid is an antibiotic active against the mycobacterium strain of bacteria, which causes TB infection. Rifampicin, Ethambutol, and Isoniazid prevent the bacteria's growth by interfering with the cell wall and DNA (the genetic material of bacteria) required to survive the bacteria. Rifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid is active against Mycobacterium bacteria which causes TB and leprosy.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Rifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Rash Dark-coloured urine
- Increased salivation (drooling)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
People with liver and kidney diseases should take Rifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid only after consulting with a doctor. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should take Rifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid as instructed by the doctor. Do not take this medicine with alcohol which causes drowsiness. While on the medication, your doctor advises some diagnostic and laboratory tests to know the effects of drugs on the body. Use of Rifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid may also affect oral contraceptive pills, so please consult a doctor and ask for some other birth control methods if you are using any. You may experience dark-coloured urine and yellowing of teeth after using Rifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid. However, these are harmless symptoms and may go after stopping Rifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Rifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid may interact with analgesic/antipyretic (acetaminophen), gout medicines (allopurinol, probenecid), cough syrups or bronchodilators (aminophylline, theophylline), blood pressure-lowering pills (propranolol, atenolol) and antacids (aluminium hydroxide).
Drug-Food Interactions: Rifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid should not be given with sugar-rich food like smoked fish, meat, beer and cheese.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Rifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid may interact with conditions like liver and kidney disease impairment.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeConsuming alcohol and Rifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid causes flushing, increased heartbeat, chest pain, nausea, thirst and low blood pressure. So avoid the use of alcohol with Rifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult the doctor. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies on pregnant women. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
safe if prescribedConsult your doctor, and there is no substantial research yet on the use of Rifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid in breastfeeding/nursing mothers.
Driving
cautionRifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid may affect your ability to drive as it produces drowiness and sleep. So, it should not be taken before driving a motor vehicle.
Liver
cautionLimited information was available for the use of Rifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid in patients suffering from liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding using Rifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid in patients with liver impairment. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionLimited information was available for the use of Rifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid in patients suffering from kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding using Rifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid in patients with kidney impairment. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
unsafeRifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid is not recommended for use in children as its safety and efficacy have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Pineapple juice might help soothe the symptoms of cough and cold. It also has anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties.
- Vitamin C-rich foods such as kiwi, broccoli, and bell pepper help improve the immune system.
- Avoid processed and fried foods.
- Warm ginger tea or warm soup can help relieve a cough.
- Avoid foods and drinks containing histamine or tyramine, such as cured meat, matured cheese, soya, tuna, salmon, mackerel, wine, and beer.
- Quit smoking and avoid alcohol consumption.
Special Advise
- Use of Rifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid can cause temporary discolouration of your teeth, urine, sweat, and saliva, which is not harmful.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Tuberculosis: It is caused by a bacteria called mycobacteria tuberculin, a contagious disease that usually affects the lungs and spreads to the brain and spine. Symptoms include fever, chills, night sweating, chest pain, coughing up blood, tiredness, and weight loss. TB is caused by bacteria which spreads through air droplets when you are contacted with the infected person and also occurs in people with a weak immune system in conditions of cancer and HIV.
FAQs
No, Rifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid decreases the action of birth control pills. So, use other contraceptive devices or methods to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Discuss with your doctor before taking this medicine.
It is best to take Rifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
The full form of DOTS is (Directly Observed Therapy Short Term). It is a defined treatment regimen initiated by the Government to cure tuberculosis. The initial treatment phase consists of 8 weeks of the four drugs, namely: Isoniazid (H), Rifampicin (R), Pyrazinamide (Z) and Ethambutol (E). Then, the continuation phase should consist of the three drugs: Isoniazid, Rifampicin and Ethambutol, which should be given for another 16 weeks.
Yes, it may take at least 6-8 months for the treatment of TB. Remember, you should regularly take DOTS therapy as instructed by the doctor or DOTS worker provided by the government agency.
Do not Panic, as Rifampicin+ethambutol+isoniazid can cause bright red-orange colour urine, faeces, saliva, sputum, sweat, and tear. It won't occur as soon as you stop the use of drugs.
