Akurit Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Akurit Tablet is a combination medicine containing rifampicin and isoniazid, belonging to the antituberculosis class of medicines. It is used to treat tuberculosis and other bacterial infections like leprosy, and may also be given as preventive treatment for people exposed to tuberculosis. Dosing is based on body weight, and it carries a risk of liver damage, so it must be used exactly as prescribed.

What is Akurit Tablet

Akurit is a combination medicine containing rifampicin and isoniazid. It is used to treat tuberculosis (TB), a serious bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs.

Akurit Tablet uses

• Treatment of tuberculosis
• Preventive treatment for people exposed to tuberculosis
• Treatment of other bacterial infections like leprosy

Benefits of Akurit Tablet

• Kills the bacteria that cause tuberculosis
• Helps stop the bacteria from multiplying, reducing the risk of drug resistance

How Akurit Tablet works

Isoniazid stops the bacteria from building their protective outer wall, which kills them. Rifampicin blocks an enzyme the bacteria need to copy their genetic material, which stops them from multiplying.

Akurit Tablet dosage

Take this medicine by mouth as a tablet. Take it on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after a meal, because food can reduce how well the medicine is absorbed. If you have trouble swallowing the tablet, it can be crushed or dissolved in water before taking.

Children should only take this medicine if they are able to swallow whole tablets and weigh enough for the fixed-dose combination. Do not stop or interrupt treatment on your own; complete the full course as prescribed by your doctor.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet

Side effects of Akurit Tablet

Common

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Stomach upset
• Heartburn
• Dizziness
• Muscle pain
• Joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

Serious

• Liver damage
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
• Peripheral neuropathy (tingling or numbness in hands and feet)
• Reddish-orange discoloration of bodily fluids (urine, tears, sweat)
• Dark urine
• Skin rash
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

Warnings and precautions

• Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
• Do not use this medicine if you have severe or acute liver disease.
• Do not use this medicine if you have acute gout.
• This medicine may cause severe skin reactions, including serious conditions that affect the skin and mucous membranes. Tell your doctor right away about any rash or mouth sores.
• Do not stop taking this medicine on your own without talking to your doctor, even if you feel better, since stopping early can lead to drug-resistant bacteria.
• This medicine can interact with many other drugs, including blood thinners, antifungal medicines, HIV medicines, heart medicines, and birth control pills, making them less effective or increasing their side effects.
• This medicine should only be used during pregnancy if your doctor decides the benefits outweigh the risks. It is not recommended, especially in the first three months of pregnancy, unless absolutely necessary.
• This medicine passes into breast milk in small amounts, but it is generally considered safe for breastfeeding. It is not recommended unless absolutely necessary, and your baby should be watched for any unusual symptoms.
• Use this medicine with caution if you have kidney disease, as it may cause more serious side effects. Your doctor may need to monitor your kidney function or adjust your dose.
• This medicine carries a high risk of liver damage. It should not be used in people with severe liver disease, and liver function should be closely monitored during treatment, especially if you already have liver problems.
• Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine, as combining them can increase the risk of liver damage.
• This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or vision problems. Be careful when driving or operating machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.

Storage

• Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
• Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
• Do not store in the bathroom or near the kitchen sink.
• Store in a dry place, away from direct light.
• Do not use after the expiration date or if the tablets show signs of damage.
• Dispose of unused or expired tablets properly according to local regulations.

When to see a doctor

• Tell your doctor right away if your skin or eyes turn yellow, which can be a sign of liver damage.
• Get medical help right away if you take too much of this medicine, since overdose can cause severe vomiting, headache, dizziness, hallucinations, facial swelling, coma, or seizures.
• Report any skin rash or mouth/mucous membrane sores to your doctor immediately, as these can be signs of a severe skin reaction.
• Contact your doctor if you notice numbness or tingling in your hands and feet, as this could be a sign of nerve damage.

Alternatives

• Rimactazid
• R-Cinex
• Rifamate