R-Cinex Capsule: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

R-Cinex Capsule is a combination medicine containing Rifampicin and Isoniazid, two antibiotics used together to treat tuberculosis (TB), a bacterial infection that affects the lungs. It is also used to prevent active TB in people who have been exposed to the disease. The medicine works by stopping TB bacteria from growing and disrupting their cell walls to prevent multiplication.

What is R-Cinex Capsule

R-Cinex Capsule is a combination medicine containing Rifampicin and Isoniazid, two antibiotics used together to treat tuberculosis (TB), a bacterial infection that affects the lungs.

R-Cinex Capsule uses

• Treatment of tuberculosis (TB)
• Prevention of active TB in individuals exposed to the disease

Benefits of R-Cinex Capsule

• Prevents the TB bacteria from growing, helping to treat the infection
• Reduces the bacterial load and helps prevent the development of drug resistance

How R-Cinex Capsule works

Rifampicin stops the TB bacteria from growing, and Isoniazid works by disrupting the bacteria's cell walls, preventing them from multiplying and killing the bacteria causing the infection.

R-Cinex Capsule dosage

Take this medicine on an empty stomach, either about an hour before or two hours after a meal, with a drink of water. Swallow the capsules whole; do not break, chew, or crush them. Take it at the same time each day as directed by your doctor.

Do not stop taking it once you start feeling better, as stopping early may cause the infection to come back and become harder to treat. Do not take more or less than the amount your doctor has advised. If you miss a dose, take the next one on time; do not take two doses together to make up for a missed one.

Available forms and strengths

Capsule

Side effects of R-Cinex Capsule

Common

• Heartburn
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Increased menstrual flow
• Tingling or numbness of the hands and feet
• Bloating
• Dark colored urine
• Skin rash
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite

Serious

• Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Mental or mood changes
• Swelling (oedema)
• Muscle pain or weakness
• Unexplained weight loss
• Signs of new infections
• Severe allergic reaction symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling of face/tongue/throat, severe dizziness

Warnings and precautions

• This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy as it may harm the baby. Talk to your doctor before taking it if you are pregnant.
• This medicine passes into breast milk, so it is not recommended while breastfeeding unless your doctor advises it.
• Use with caution if you have kidney problems, since kidney dysfunction can cause the medicine to build up in your body and worsen your condition.
• Use with caution if you have liver disease, since the medicine is processed by the liver and poor liver function can cause it to build up in your body.
• Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness, flushing, increased heartbeat, nausea, and thirst, and may also raise the risk of liver toxicity.
• Avoid use if you are receiving antiviral therapy, as this medicine can reduce the effectiveness of antiviral drugs and lead to viral resistance.
• Use with caution if you have diabetes, as this medicine can alter blood sugar levels and affect diabetes management.
• This medicine may raise liver enzyme levels, so use it with caution and have regular liver function tests.
• Not recommended for children under 15 years old because its safety and effectiveness have not been established in that age group.
• Should be used with caution in elderly patients.
• Use with caution if you have colitis, as this medicine may cause the condition to flare up.
• Use with extreme caution if you have blood disorders affecting the blood or bone marrow, or if you have porphyria.
• This medicine can discolor your teeth, urine, sweat, saliva, and tears (yellow, orange, red, or brown), and may permanently stain soft contact lenses. This is normal and not harmful.
• This medicine may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills, so use additional contraceptive methods to avoid unwanted pregnancy.
• Avoid using this medicine without confirmed or suspected bacterial infection, as improper use can fail to help and may increase the risk of drug-resistant bacteria developing.

Storage

• Store in a cool and dry place
• Keep away from direct heat and sunlight
• Keep out of the reach of children

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help right away if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as skin rash, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
• Go to the emergency department right away if you suspect you have taken too much of this medicine.
• Go to the nearest emergency department immediately if you have an allergic reaction with symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, chest tightness, swelling, skin rashes, or hives.

Alternatives

• Rifinah
• Rimactazid
• Rifampicin + Isoniazid