Ethambutol + Isoniazid + Rifampicin

Ethambutol + Isoniazid + Rifampicin is a combination medicine used in the treatment of tuberculosis. It prevents the growth of the microorganisms that cause the infection.

Ethambutol + Isoniazid + Rifampicin is a prescription medicine and it is to be taken as suggested by the doctor. It should be taken in an empty stomach and take it at a fixed time to ensure better efficacy. Do not consume more than the recommended dose, as this may have harmful effects on your body. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. The course of the treatment must be completed even if you feel better. Sudden discontinuation of the treatment may affect the potency of the medicine. The medicine may take some to show its effects on the symptoms. However, it is advised to consult the doctor if you feel an aggravation of the condition or if your condition does not improve.

Some common side effects of this medicine are nausea, vomiting, fever, dark- colored urine, sweating, increased saliva, etc. To cope up with the side effects, you should drink plenty of water. If any of the side effects get aggravated, you must consult your doctor immediately. Generally, serious side effects are rare. If you experience any allergic reaction (rashes, itching, swelling, shortness of breath, etc.), you must seek immediate medical help.

Before taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you are taking any medicines for any health condition. Patients with liver and kidney ailments must take this medicine with proper consultation and caution. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult with the doctor before taking it. Avoid drinking alcohol as it can cause excessive drowsiness with this medicine. It usually does not impair your ability to drive, but you should not drive if it makes you feel sleepy or dizzy. During the treatment, you must take adequate rest and eat a healthy diet for a faster recovery. While on the medication, your doctor may ask for a few laboratory and diagnostic tests to know the effects of the medicine on your body.

• Treatment of Tuberculosis (TB)

Treatment of Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs but can affect other parts of the body as well. Ethambutol + Isoniazid + Rifampicin helps treat tuberculosis by stopping the growth of bacteria causing infection. Your symptoms might improve after using Ethambutol + Isoniazid + Rifampicin. However, make sure to complete the full course of treatment. This will ensure that the infection is completely cured and prevent it from returning.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of RF HE

• 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)

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label before use. Ethambutol + Isoniazid + Rifampicin is to be taken empty stomach.
Avoid Ethambutol + Isoniazid + Rifampicin with tyramine-rich food such as cheese, smoked fish, meats and some types of beer.

Ethambutol + Isoniazid + Rifampicin 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.

• 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.

Chemotherapy of Tuberculosis, Mycobacterium Avium Complex Disease, and Leprosy. In: Hilal-Dandan R, Brunton LL. Goodman and Gilman's Manual of Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 2nd ed. New York, New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.; 2014. [Accessed 10 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:

Isoniazid. Nottingham, Nottinghamshire: Boots Contract Manufacturing; 2015. [Accessed 10 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:

Ethambutol. Ontario, Canada: Patheon Inc.; 2007. [Accessed 10 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from: