Prescription Required
It belongs to the class of drugs known as anti-tuberculosis medications. It is used for the treatment of tuberculosis, a contagious disease that primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body.
It works as:
Unsafe, may cause flushing, increased heart rate, nausea, chest pain, and low blood pressure.
Consult your doctor, as limited studies show potential harm to the developing baby.
Probably safe if prescribed, with limited risk to the baby.
Unsafe due to potential sight problems and tingling or numbness in hands or feet.
Use with caution, consult the doctor, and perform kidney function tests.
Use with caution, monitor liver function regularly before and after treatment.
AC 4 Kit is a combination of four medicines: Isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide which treat tuberculosis. Isoniazid works by preventing the TB bacteria from forming their own protective covering, while rifampicin inactivates a bacterial enzyme (RNA-polymerase) which is required by TB bacteria to make essential proteins and to reproduce. Together, they kill the bacteria and eradicate the infection. Ethambutol and pyrazinamide on the other hand, work by slowing the growth of these bacteria.
AC 4 contains Ethambutol which may cause visual impairment. Inform the doctor immediately if you notice any changes in your eyesight.
No, AC 4 can make birth control pills less effective. So, ask your doctor about using a birth control method which does not affect your hormone levels (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide).
No, avoid drinking alcohol while taking AC 4. Drinking alcohol will increase the risk of hepatitis caused by AC 4 because of isoniazid.
Keep this medicine in 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.
Yes, AC 4 contains Rifampicin. 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. However, discoloration of urine can be a sign of liver damage. Contact your doctor if you notice discoloration of urine accompanied with stomach pain, loss of appetite and jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes).
Take AC 4 on an empty stomach which means at least one hour before and two hours after a meal and with full glass of water.
No, do not discontinue AC 4. Take the proper course of a drug that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. If you stop taking AC 4 then your infection may become worse, difficult to treat and it may result in drug-resistant TB (drugs you are taking may no longer work).
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