Prescription Required

Introduction to AC 4 Kit

It belongs to the class of drugs known as anti-tuberculosis medications. It is used for the treatment of tuberculosis, a contagious disease that primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body.

It works as:

  • It contains four medicines – Isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide.
  • Isoniazid prevents the tuberculosis bacteria from forming their protective covering.
  • Rifampicin inactivates a bacterial enzyme necessary for TB bacteria to make essential proteins and reproduce.
  • Ethambutol and pyrazinamide slow down the growth of these bacteria.                                                                                                                            Use it in dose and duration as prescribed by your doctor.

Safety Advice for AC 4 Kit

  • High risk
  • Moderate risk
  • Safe
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Unsafe, may cause flushing, increased heart rate, nausea, chest pain, and low blood pressure.

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Consult your doctor, as limited studies show potential harm to the developing baby.

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Probably safe if prescribed, with limited risk to the baby.

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Unsafe due to potential sight problems and tingling or numbness in hands or feet.

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Use with caution, consult the doctor, and perform kidney function tests.

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Use with caution, monitor liver function regularly before and after treatment.

How AC 4 Kit works

AC 4 Kit is a combination of four medicines: Isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide which treat tuberculosis. Isoniazid works by preventing the TB bacteria from forming their own protective covering, while rifampicin inactivates a bacterial enzyme (RNA-polymerase) which is required by TB bacteria to make essential proteins and to reproduce. Together, they kill the bacteria and eradicate the infection. Ethambutol and pyrazinamide on the other hand, work by slowing the growth of these bacteria.

How To Use AC 4 Kit

  • Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label before use. AC 4 Kit is to be taken empty stomach. Avoid AC 4 Kit with tyramine-rich food such as cheese, smoked fish, meats and some types of beer.

Benefits Of AC 4 Kit

  • It Kills and stops the growth of TB-causing bacteria.

Side Effects Of AC 4 Kit

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Rash
  • Fever
  • Dark colored urine
  • Sweating
  • Increased sputum production
  • Salivation
  • Watery eyes
  • Peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness of feet and hand)
  • Increased liver enzymes
  • Jaundice
  • Increased uric acid level in blood
  • Visual impairment

FAQ's on AC 4 Kit

Can AC 4 cause visual impairment?

AC 4 contains Ethambutol which may cause visual impairment. Inform the doctor immediately if you notice any changes in your eyesight.

Can I take oral contraceptive pills while taking AC 4?

No, AC 4 can make birth control pills less effective. So, ask your doctor about using a birth control method which does not affect your hormone levels (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide).

Can I drink alcohol while taking AC 4?

No, avoid drinking alcohol while taking AC 4. Drinking alcohol will increase the risk of hepatitis caused by AC 4 because of isoniazid.

What are the instructions for storage and disposal of AC 4?

Keep this medicine in the container it came in, tightly closed. Store it according to the instructions mentioned on the pack or label. Dispose of the unused medicine. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children and other people.

Can the use of AC 4 cause discoloration of the urine?

Yes, AC 4 contains Rifampicin. It can cause temporary discoloration of your teeth, sweat, urine, saliva and tears (red, orange or brown color). This side effect is usually not harmful. However, discoloration of urine can be a sign of liver damage. Contact your doctor if you notice discoloration of urine accompanied with stomach pain, loss of appetite and jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes).

How to take AC 4?

Take AC 4 on an empty stomach which means at least one hour before and two hours after a meal and with full glass of water.

Can I discontinue AC 4 if I feel well?

No, do not discontinue AC 4. Take the proper course of a drug that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. If you stop taking AC 4 then your infection may become worse, difficult to treat and it may result in drug-resistant TB (drugs you are taking may no longer work).

Prescription Required

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