Rifampicin + Isoniazid
Information about Rifampicin + Isoniazid
Rifampicin + isoniazid uses
Rifampicin+Isoniazid is used in the treatment of tuberculosis.
How rifampicin + isoniazid works
This is a combination of two antibiotics: Rifampicin and Isoniazid, which treats tuberculosis (TB). Rifampicin works by inactivating a bacterial enzyme (RNA-polymerase) which is required by TB bacteria to make essential proteins and to reproduce. Isoniazid prevents these bacteria from forming their own protective covering. Together, they kill the bacteria and eradicate the infection.
Common side effects of rifampicin + isoniazid
Vomiting, Fever, Nausea, Peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness of feet and hand), Abdominal pain, Skin rash, Itching, Hepatitis (viral infection of liver), Dizziness, Lethargy, Low blood platelets, Convulsion, Psychosis, Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Hair loss, Softening of bones, Hemolytic anemia, Agranulocytosis (deficiency of granulocytes in the blood), Aplastic anemia, Deafness, Ringing in ear, Vertigo, Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level), Breast enlargement in male, Pseudomembranous colitis, Pseudoadrenal crisis, Acute renal failure, Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome
Available Medicine for Rifampicin + Isoniazid
Expert advice for Rifampicin + Isoniazid
- You have been prescribed Rifampicin + Isoniazid for the treatment of tuberculosis.
- Finish the full course of the medication, even if you feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection come back.
- Take it on an empty stomach, preferably at the same time everyday.
- It may discolour your urine, sweat, saliva and tears a reddish-orange colour. This is normal and not harmful.
- Your doctor may check your liver function before starting treatment and regularly thereafter. Inform your doctor if you notice yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, or stomach pain.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Rifampicin + Isoniazid as this may increase the risk of side effects on the liver.
- Use an alternative or additional contraceptive method (such as condoms or a diaphragm) to prevent pregnancy while you are taking Rifampicin + Isoniazid as it may make hormonal contraceptives such as the pill less effective.
- Do not take indigestion remedies (antacids) within at least two hours of taking Rifampicin + Isoniazid.
Frequently asked questions for Rifampicin + Isoniazid
Rifampicin + Isoniazid
Q. What is Rifampicin+Isoniazid?
Rifampicin+Isoniazid is a combination of two medicines: Rifampicin and Isoniazid. It is used in the treatment of tuberculosis. Rifampicin works by inactivating a bacterial enzyme (RNA-polymerase) which is required by tuberculosis bacteria to make essential proteins and reproduce. Isoniazid prevents the tuberculosis causing bacteria from forming their own protective covering. Together, they kill the bacteria and eradicate the infection.
Q. What is the most important information I should know about the Rifampicin+Isoniazid?
Take the proper course of drug that has been prescribed to you. Do not stop in between even if you begin to feel better. Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine as it increases the risk of damage to your liver during treatment. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience vision changes, loss of appetite, tiredness, stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, yellow skin or eyes or dark-colored urine.
Q. What is the best time to take Rifampicin+Isoniazid?
Take Rifampicin+Isoniazid exactly as directed by your doctor. It is best to take the medicine on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after meals.