Rifampicin and Isoniazid are combined in this medicine.
Rifampicin + Isoniazid is an antibiotic. It is used together with other medicines to treat a lung infection known as tuberculosis (TB).
Take Rifampicin + Isoniazid exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on the severity of your infection and response to the medication.
Take Rifampicin + Isoniazid at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Rifampicin + Isoniazid if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes with stomach pain, persistent tiredness, nausea or vomiting)
- history of severe reactions to Isoniazid e.g. liver inflammation, fever, chills, joint inflammation
- sudden severe liver disease
as Rifampicin + Isoniazid may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine with saquinavir/ritonavir (combination medicine used for HIV infection).
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- history of mental health problems
- diabetes
- history of peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage that causes tingling, numbness, and pain usually in the hands and feet)
- HIV infection
- porphyria (an inherited disorder that causes skin or nervous system abnormalities)
- liver problems
- severe kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Rifampicin + Isoniazid to the elderly or malnourished individual (person lacking nutrition necessary for the body to function). Elderly people and malnourished individuals may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Notify your doctor if you consume large amounts of alcohol or if you are a frequent drinker.
Avoid wearing contact lenses during treatment as this medicine may permanently stain the contact lenses.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. blood folate or vitamin B
12 test), inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function, complete blood count, blood uric levels, eye examination) may be done before and during treatment with Rifampicin + Isoniazid. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of signs or symptoms of skin reactions and liver problems may also be needed.
What must I do to prevent spreading TB to other people?
TB is spread through the air, especially when you cough, sneeze or laugh. Always cover your mouth when you cough, sneeze or laugh. If you use tissue paper, seal it in a plastic bag before you throw it away. If you need to be around people for a long time, be sure to wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose to minimise the risk of passing the disease to other people.
You may still be able to infect others while undergoing treatment for TB. Your doctor may tell you to stay at home to avoid passing the disease to other people. You may need to sleep in a bedroom separate from your family members.
Be sure to finish the course of medication according to your doctor's instructions.
Rifampicin + Isoniazid may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach discomfort, decreased appetite, muscle weakness, bone pain, pimples, hair loss, and menstrual (period) problems.
Your urine may look slightly discoloured (yellow, brown, orange or red). This is normal while you are being treated with this medicine. It may also cause discolouration in your teeth, saliva, phlegm, tears and sweat. This is harmless, do not be alarmed.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- severe rashes, especially with multiple tiny red or purple spots on the skin and sometimes on the inside of the mouth
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- tingling, numbness and pain usually in the hands and feet
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Rifampicin + Isoniazid with the saquinavir/ritonavir (combination medicine for HIV infection).
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin, clopidogrel
- medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. disopyramide, quinidine
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. haloperidol, lurasidone
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole
- other medicines for HIV infection e.g. indinavir, efavirenz, zidovudine, stavudine, zalcitabine
- strong painkillers e.g. morphine
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. diltiazem, losartan, enalapril
- medicines for diabetes
- anti-inflammatory medicines e.g. hydrocortisone, prednisolone
- certain cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. simvastatin
- other antibiotics e.g. cefazolin, chloramphenicol, clarithromycin, doxycycline
- certain medicines to treat depression e.g. amitriptyline
- birth control pills
- theophylline (asthma medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Rifampicin + Isoniazid.
This medicine should not be taken with antacids (medicine that neutralises stomach acids) as they could reduce the effectiveness of Rifampicin + Isoniazid. If you must take antacids, take them between meals at least 1 hour after you have taken this medicine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol and other drinks that contain tyramine, such as red wine and beer.
Avoid foods that are rich in tyramine, such as cheese, sausages, soya beans, fava beans, broad beans, and pickled foods like sauerkraut, and foods rich in histamine, such as tuna. Ask your doctor or dietitian about the types of food you should avoid.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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