Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol
About
Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol belongs to the group of medicines called anti-tuberculosis drugs primarily used to treat tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs, but it can also spread to other body parts such as kidneys, brain, spine and bone marrow. Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol does not work against infections caused by the virus, including cold and flu.
Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol is a combination of four anti-tuberculosis drugs, namely: Rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol. Isoniazid prevents the formation of the bacterial cell wall, while rifampicin inactivates a bacterial enzyme (RNA-polymerase) which is required by TB bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) to make essential proteins and to reproduce. Ethambutol and pyrazinamide work by slowing the growth of bacteria. Altogether, they kill the bacteria and treat the infection.
The dose and duration of Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol can vary depending upon your condition and severity of the infection. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as weakness, nausea, vomiting, malaise (feeling of discomfort), fatigue and vision problems. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Avoid foods and drinks containing histamine or tyramine such as cured meat, matured cheese, soya, tuna, salmon, mackerel, wine and beer while taking Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol as they might cause interaction. Maintain a gap of one hour between Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol and antacid medicines. Consult your doctor before taking Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol if you are pregnant. Avoid breastfeeding while taking Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol as it passes into breast milk. Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol is not recommended for use in children. Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol may cause dizziness and vision problems, so drive only if you are alert. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol as it might lead to liver problems and increased dizziness.
Uses of Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol
Medicinal Benefits
Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol belongs to the group of medicines called anti-tuberculosis drugs primarily used to treat and prevent tuberculosis. Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol is a combination of four anti-tuberculosis drugs, namely: Rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol. Isoniazid prevents the formation of the bacterial cell wall, while rifampicin inactivates a bacterial enzyme (RNA-polymerase) which is required by TB bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) to make essential proteins and to reproduce. Ethambutol and pyrazinamide work by slowing the growth of bacteria. Altogether, they kill the bacteria and treat the infection.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Malaise (feeling of discomfort)
- Fatigue
- Vision problems
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol if you are allergic to any of its contents, if you have jaundice or if you are taking HIV medicines (saquinavir or ritonavir). Before starting Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol, please inform your doctor if you have diabetes, epilepsy, gout, mental health problems, HIV infection, malnutrition, peripheral neuropathy, porphyria, bleeding problems, kidney or liver problems. Consult your doctor before taking Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol if you are pregnant. Avoid breastfeeding while taking Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol as it passes into breast milk. Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol is not recommended for use in children. Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol may cause dizziness and vision problems, so drive with caution. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol as it might lead to liver problems and increased dizziness.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol may interact with an antibiotic (erythromycin), pain killer (acetaminophen), anti-diabetic (insulin isophane), MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine), calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, verapamil), azole antifungals (itraconazole, ketoconazole), blood thinners (warfarin), Antiepileptics (phenytoin, carbamazepine), Immunosuppressive agents (ciclosporin, sirolimus, tacrolimus, leflunomide, azathioprine) and anti-HIV (saquinavir, ritonavir, atazanavir).
Drug-Food Interactions: Do not consume alcohol while taking Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol as it could lead to increased dizziness and liver damage. Avoid foods and drinks containing histamine or tyramine such as cured meat, matured cheese, soya, tuna, salmon, mackerel, wine and beer while taking Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol as they might cause interaction.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have colitis (inflammation in the lining of the colon), peripheral neuropathy (numbness and pain in hands and feet), porphyria, haemodialysis, diabetes, gout (high uric acid), liver toxicity, dialysis, optic neuritis (vision problems), kidney and liver dysfunction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid alcohol consumption while taking Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol as it could lead to increased dizziness and liver damage.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are pregnant, your doctor will prescribe Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafeRifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol passes into breast milk. Do not breastfeed while taking Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol. Consult your doctor for further advice.
Driving
unsafeRifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol may cause dizziness, vision problems, numbness and tingling sensation in hands and feet. Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience these symptoms.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor before taking Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol if you have liver impairment/liver disease.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this or if you have kidney impairment/kidney disease.
Children
unsafeRifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol is not recommended for use in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Pineapple juice might help soothe the symptoms of cough and cold. It also has anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties.
- Foods rich in vitamin C such as kiwi, broccoli and bell pepper helps in improving the immune system.
- Avoid processed and fried foods.
- Warm ginger tea or warm soup can help in providing relief from 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
- Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol may affect test results of some blood tests such as tests for folate, vitamin B12 and liver function. Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol.
- Your doctor may advise you to get regular liver tests while taking Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol to check how your liver is functioning.
- Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol may cause vit B6 deficiency, your doctor may suggest vit B6 supplements while using Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol.
- Maintain a gap of one hour between Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol and antacid medicines.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Tuberculosis (TB): Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that affects the lungs, but it could also spread to other body parts such as kidneys, brain, spine and bone marrow. Tuberculosis is caused by a bacteria named Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is a contagious disease which can spread to others through small droplets released into the air by a person suffering from tuberculosis. Symptoms include a cough that lasts for a few weeks, pain while coughing or with normal breathing, unexplained fatigue, fever, night sweats, and loss of appetite and weight. People who smoke or consume alcohol, and people diagnosed with HIV and immune system problems are more likely at risk of developing active TB.
FAQs
Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol is a combination of four anti-tuberculosis drugs, namely: Rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol works by killing the bacteria named Mycobacterium tuberculosis which causes TB (tuberculosis).
Do not stop taking Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol despite symptomatic relief. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol for as long as it has been prescribed for you.
Do not take Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol along with antacids as it might decrease the effectiveness of Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol. Maintain a minimum gap of 1 hour between both. However, please consult your doctor before taking other medicines with Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol.
Consult your doctor before taking Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol with other medicines. Your doctor would suggest the right time, dose and precautions before taking Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol with other drugs.
Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol contains isoniazid which might interact with foods and drinks containing histamine or tyramine such as cured meat, matured cheese, soya, tuna, salmon, mackerel, wine and beer. Avoid these foods while taking Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol.
Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol might decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives (birth control pills). This could lead to an unplanned pregnancy. Instead, use a reliable barrier method of contraception such as condoms or the coil while taking Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this, your doctor may suggest an alternate method of contraception.
Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol may cause discolouration of teeth, sweat, urine, sputum (phlegm), saliva or tears. The colour in tears may last for some time even after you stop taking Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol. Do not worry as it is a common side-effect of Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol.
Yes, Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol might permanently stain soft contact lenses. Use spectacles and avoid wearing contact lens while taking Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol.
Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol may affect test results of some blood tests such as tests for folate, vitamin B12 and liver function. Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol.
Yes, Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol may cause liver problems, especially in people who are 35 and older. Consult your doctor if you notice symptoms such as yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, pale stools, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting. Your doctor may advise you to get regular liver tests while taking Rifampicin+isoniazid+pyrazinamide+ethambutol to check how your liver is functioning.
