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Rifampicin + Isoniazid + Ethambutol

Information about Rifampicin + Isoniazid + Ethambutol

Rifampicin + Isoniazid + Ethambutol Uses

Rifampicin+Isoniazid+Ethambutol is used in the treatment of tuberculosis.

How Rifampicin + Isoniazid + Ethambutol works

Rifampicin + Isoniazid + Ethambutol is a combination of three medicines: Rifampicin, isoniazid and ethambutol, which treats tuberculosis. Rifampicin works by inactivating a bacterial enzyme (RNA-polymerase) which is required by TB bacteria to make essential proteins and to reproduce, while isoniazid prevents these bacteria from forming their own protective covering. Together, they kill the bacteria and eradicate the infection. Ethambutol, on the other hand works by slowing the growth of these bacteria.

Common side effects of Rifampicin + Isoniazid + Ethambutol

Nausea, Vomiting, Rash, Fever, Dark colored urine, Sweating, Increased sputum production, Salivation, Watery eyes, Increased liver enzymes, Jaundice, Visual impairment, Increased uric acid level in blood, Gout, Peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness of feet and hand)

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Sakshi Sharma

BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Ashish Ranjan

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Last updated

05 Aug 2022 | 11:16 AM (UTC)

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Expert advice for Rifampicin + Isoniazid + Ethambutol

It is best to take the medicine on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after meals.
Finish the prescribed course of medicine, even if you start to feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection harder to treat.
It can make birth control pills less effective so ask the doctor about using a birth control method which does not affect your hormone levels (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide).
It can cause temporary discoloration of your teeth, sweat, urine, saliva, and tears (red, orange, or brown color). This side effect is usually not harmful.

Frequently asked questions for Rifampicin + Isoniazid + Ethambutol

Rifampicin + Isoniazid + Ethambutol

Q. Which is the best time to take Rifampicin+Isoniazid+Ethambutol?

Take Rifampicin+Isoniazid+Ethambutol 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.

Q. Can the use of Rifampicin+Isoniazid+Ethambutol make birth control pills ineffective?

Yes, Rifampicin+Isoniazid+Ethambutol can make birth control pills less effective. Ask the doctor about using a birth control method which does not affect your hormone levels (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide).

Q. Is tuberculosis a curable disease?

Yes, tuberculosis (TB) is a curable disease and can be cured with 6–9 months of treatment. Drug-resistant forms of TB are also curable, but more difficult to treat. Treatment for drug-resistant TB can last up to 2 years and require medications that can cause serious side effects.

Q. What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Rifampicin+Isoniazid+Ethambutol?

Keep this medicine in the packet or the container it came in, tightly closed. Store it according to the instructions mentioned on the pack or label. Dispose of the unused medicine. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children and other people.

Q. Can the use of Rifampicin+Isoniazid+Ethambutol cause discoloration of the urine?

Yes, Rifampicin+Isoniazid+Ethambutol contains rifampicin which can cause temporary discoloration of your teeth, sweat, urine, saliva, and tears (red, orange, or brown color). This side effect is usually not harmful. However, discoloration of urine can be a sign of liver damage. Call your doctor if you have discoloration of urine with stomach pain, loss of appetite, and jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes).

Q. Can I discontinue Rifampicin+Isoniazid+Ethambutol if I feel well?

No, do not discontinue Rifampicin+Isoniazid+Ethambutol. Take the proper course of the drug that has been prescribed to you even if you begin to feel better. If you stop taking Rifampicin+Isoniazid+Ethambutol, your infection may become worse and difficult to treat. It may even result in drug-resistant TB i.e. drugs you were taking may no longer work for Tuberculosis.

Q. Can Rifampicin+Isoniazid+Ethambutol cause visual impairment?

Rifampicin+Isoniazid+Ethambutol contains Ethambutol, which may cause visual impairment. Inform the doctor immediately if you notice any changes in your eyesight.