Antibiotic (Diarylquinoline anti-tuberculosis agent)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Bedaquiline (sold as Sirturo) is a strong antibiotic that works by blocking the energy supply of tuberculosis (TB) bacteria, helping to kill them when regular TB drugs are no longer working.
Inhibits ATP synthase in Mycobacterium tuberculosis mitochondria, disrupting energy production and bacterial viability in drug-resistant TB strains.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
For the first 2 weeks, take 4 tablets of 100 mg (400 mg total) once a day with food — food helps your body absorb the drug properly. After that, take 2 tablets of 100 mg (200 mg) three times a week (with at least 48 hours between each dose) for the next 22 weeks. Always take it as part of a combination with other TB drugs your doctor prescribes. Never take it alone.
During the first 2 weeks, if you miss a dose, skip it and continue with your normal schedule — do not double up. During the later phase (3 times a week), take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time.
Important for antibiotics
Always complete the full course even if you feel better. Stopping early can cause the infection to return and become drug-resistant.
This is strictly a prescription drug used under a TB treatment program — never buy from roadside sellers or open market, and only get it from an approved TB treatment centre or hospital pharmacy. You must complete the full 24-week course even if you feel better, otherwise the TB bacteria can become even more resistant and harder to treat. Do not share this medicine with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms.
Avoid taking with efavirenz or other HIV drugs called enzyme inducers, as they reduce how well bedaquiline works — tell your doctor about all your HIV medicines. Be very careful combining with other drugs that affect heartbeat like some malaria drugs (halofantrine) or certain antibiotics (azithromycin, fluoroquinolones). Avoid alcohol completely as it puts extra strain on the liver while on this drug.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Bedaquiline with your other drugs?
Bedaquiline is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless your doctor says the benefit clearly outweighs the risk — always consult your doctor before taking it if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding.
Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep it in a dry place — Nigerian humidity can spoil medicines. Always keep in the original container with the lid tightly closed, and store far from children's reach.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Bedaquiline?
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