Anti-tuberculosis (combination antibiotic)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
This is a combination tablet containing four anti-tuberculosis medicines (Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, and Ethambutol) that work together to kill the bacteria that cause TB by attacking it in different ways, making treatment more effective and reducing the chance the bacteria becomes resistant.
Inhibits multiple stages of mycobacterial growth through complementary mechanisms: rifampicin binds bacterial RNA polymerase to block transcription; isoniazid and pyrazinamide inhibit mycolic acid synthesis essential for cell wall integrity; ethambutol inhibits arabinosyl transferases required for cell wall arabinogalactan synthesis. These synergistic actions prevent both active and latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis replication.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Take all your tablets together once daily, on an empty stomach — ideally 1 hour before food or 2 hours after food for best absorption. The number of tablets depends on your body weight: 30–39 kg takes 2 tablets, 40–54 kg takes 3 tablets, 55–70 kg takes 4 tablets, and above 70 kg takes 5 tablets. Your doctor will tell you exactly how many to take. This 4-drug combination is usually taken for the first 2 months (intensive phase) of TB treatment.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule. Never take a double dose. Missing doses regularly can cause the TB bacteria to become drug-resistant, so try your best to take your medicine every single day.
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.
Always get your TB medicine from a government hospital, DOTS centre, or a licensed pharmacy — never buy from roadside sellers or unregistered shops, as fake TB drugs are dangerous and can lead to drug resistance. You must complete the full course of treatment (usually 6 months total) even if you feel better after a few weeks — stopping early is the main reason TB comes back stronger. Do not share your TB medicine with anyone else, and attend all your clinic appointments so your doctor can monitor your liver and eyes.
Avoid alcohol completely during treatment — combining alcohol with these medicines greatly increases the risk of liver damage. Rifampicin reduces the effectiveness of birth control pills, so women should use additional contraception methods like condoms. If you are taking medicines for HIV (especially ARVs like Efavirenz or Dolutegravir), diabetes, epilepsy, or blood thinners, tell your doctor because Rifampicin affects how many other drugs work in your body.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Ethambutol with your other drugs?
Consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding — TB treatment in pregnancy is important but must be carefully managed, and some of these drugs require dose adjustments or monitoring.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — avoid storing near windows or in hot kitchens. Keep the tablets in their original container and protect from moisture. Always keep out of reach of children.
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 Ethambutol Hydrochloride; Isoniazid; Pyrazinamide; Rifampicin?
Clinical tools built for Nigerian pharmacists — launching soon.