How do you take Rifampicin; Isoniazid?

Take the tablet on an empty stomach — at least 30 minutes before food or 2 hours after eating, with a full glass of water. Your doctor will decide how many tablets based on your weight, but a common adult dose is 2 to 4 tablets once daily. Take it at the same time every day, usually in the morning. A common brand in Nigeria is AKuriT Tablets.

What are the side effects of Rifampicin; Isoniazid?

Orange or reddish colour of urine, tears, sweat, and saliva (this is normal and harmless), stomach upset or nausea, loss of appetite, mild headache, tingling or numbness in hands and feet

Who should not take Rifampicin; Isoniazid?

People who are allergic to rifampicin or isoniazid, people with active liver disease or a history of drug-induced liver damage, people with jaundice, and people currently taking certain HIV drugs that interact badly with rifampicin. Always inform your doctor of your full medical history.

Prescription

Anti-tuberculosis antibiotics

Rifampicin; Isoniazid

Q: What is Rifampicin; Isoniazid used for?

Tuberculosis (TB), including TB of the lungs, TB of the bones and joints, and prevention of TB in people who have been exposed to the disease

Last reviewed June 2026

Who is this for?

What is this drug?

Rifampicin and Isoniazid is a combination tablet containing two powerful antibiotics that work together to kill the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB) by stopping the bacteria from growing and multiplying.

What is it used for?

Tuberculosis (TB)including TB of the lungsTB of the bones and jointsand prevention of TB in people who have been exposed to the disease

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Tuberculosis (TB)

How it works

Inhibits bacterial RNA polymerase, blocking mRNA synthesis and halting mycobacterial protein production; Isoniazid is activated by mycobacterial catalase-peroxidase and inhibits mycolic acid synthesis, disrupting cell wall integrity in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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What to watch out for

Complete the full TB treatment course (usually 6 to 9 months) even if you feel better — stopping early can make the TB come back stronger and harder to treat. Do not buy from roadside sellers or unregistered pharmacies as fake TB drugs are dangerous. Do not share your medication with anyone, even if they have similar symptoms.

Common Side Effects

Orange or reddish colour of urine
tears
sweat
and saliva (this is normal and harmless)
stomach upset or nausea
loss of appetite
mild headache
tingling or numbness in hands and feet

Serious Side Effects

Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice) — this could mean liver damage and you should stop the drug and see a doctor immediately. Severe skin rash
fever
or unusual bleeding or bruising also require urgent medical attention.

Drug Interactions

Avoid alcohol completely — drinking alcohol while taking this drug greatly increases the risk of liver damage. This drug reduces the effectiveness of birth control pills, so use an alternative method like condoms. It also affects the way many other drugs work, including HIV medications (ARVs), diabetes drugs, and blood thinners — always tell your doctor about all the drugs you are taking.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Do not take this drug during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless your doctor says the benefit outweighs the risk — consult your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Who Should NOT Take This

People who are allergic to rifampicin or isoniazid
people with active liver disease or a history of drug-induced liver damage
people with jaundice
and people currently taking certain HIV drugs that interact badly with rifampicin. Always inform your doctor of your full medical history.

How to Store

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it in cars or near windows. Keep the container tightly closed to 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.