ChamberBD Logo ChamberBD
বাংলায় দেখুন

Capsule

G Rifam 100 mg + 150 mg Capsule

Generic: Isoniazid + Rifampicin

Manufacturer: Gonoshasthaya Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Therapeutic class: Antitubercular fixed-dose combination

What is G Rifam used for?

G Rifam 100 mg + 150 mg capsule by Gonoshasthaya Pharmaceuticals Ltd. is an anti-tuberculosis medicine that contains Isoniazid + Rifampicin.

What is G Rifam?

G Rifam 100 mg + 150 mg capsule by Gonoshasthaya Pharmaceuticals Ltd. is an anti-tuberculosis medicine that contains Isoniazid + Rifampicin. In Bangladesh, it is mainly used as part of a doctor-prescribed regimen for drug-susceptible tuberculosis, often during the continuation phase or as directed by national TB treatment guidance.

Isoniazid + Rifampicin works by combining two antibiotics that kill or stop the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in different ways. A key caution is that both medicines can affect the liver, so symptoms such as yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, severe nausea, or unusual tiredness need urgent medical advice.

Indications

  • Treatment of drug-susceptible tuberculosis as part of an appropriate combination anti-TB regimen.
  • Continuation-phase treatment of tuberculosis when isoniazid and rifampicin are both indicated, according to the prescriber’s regimen and local TB guidelines.

Dosage & Administration

Adult dosing is usually weight-based and depends on the phase of TB treatment, previous treatment history, liver function, other medicines, and national TB guidelines. It is commonly taken once daily, preferably on an empty stomach, unless the doctor advises otherwise. The exact strength, number of tablets or capsules, and treatment duration must be decided by the treating doctor. Do not stop early, miss doses, or change the dose without medical advice, as this can cause treatment failure and drug resistance. Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) may be prescribed with isoniazid, especially in people at higher risk of nerve problems.

Side Effects

  • Common: nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, tiredness, rash, itching.
  • Rifampicin can cause harmless orange-red discoloration of urine, sweat, saliva, and tears; it may permanently stain soft contact lenses.
  • Isoniazid can cause tingling, numbness, or burning pain in the hands or feet, especially if vitamin B6 is low.
  • Serious: liver inflammation or hepatitis, jaundice, severe weakness, persistent vomiting, dark urine, pale stools, severe abdominal pain.
  • Rare but serious: severe allergic reactions, severe skin reactions, low platelet count with unusual bleeding or bruising, flu-like syndrome, confusion, seizures, or vision changes.

Precautions & Warnings

Use Isoniazid + Rifampicin cautiously in people with current or previous liver disease, heavy alcohol use, older age, malnutrition, HIV infection, diabetes, kidney disease, peripheral neuropathy, seizure disorders, or a history of drug-induced hepatitis. Liver function tests and clinical monitoring may be needed. Avoid alcohol during treatment unless the doctor specifically permits it. Tell the healthcare provider about all medicines, herbal products, and contraceptives being used. Use this medicine only under the guidance of a registered doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Interactions

  • Alcohol increases the risk of liver injury and should generally be avoided.
  • Rifampicin strongly reduces the effect of many medicines by enzyme induction, including warfarin, oral contraceptives, some antiretrovirals, azole antifungals, some anticonvulsants, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, methadone, some diabetes medicines, and some anticoagulants.
  • Hormonal contraceptives may become less reliable; a non-hormonal or additional contraceptive method should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
  • Isoniazid can increase levels or toxicity of medicines such as phenytoin and carbamazepine.
  • Antacids containing aluminium may reduce isoniazid absorption if taken too close together.
  • High-histamine or high-tyramine foods such as some fish, aged cheese, or fermented foods may occasionally cause flushing, headache, palpitations, or high blood pressure with isoniazid.
  • Paracetamol and other potentially liver-toxic medicines should be used carefully and only as advised.

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to isoniazid, rifampicin, rifamycins, or any component of the product.
  • Acute liver disease or previous severe liver injury caused by isoniazid or rifampicin.
  • Use with medicines for which rifampicin is contraindicated because of major interactions, unless a specialist changes the regimen.
  • TB known or suspected to be resistant to isoniazid or rifampicin, unless managed by a TB specialist with an appropriate regimen.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Tuberculosis treatment during pregnancy is important for the health of both mother and baby, and isoniazid plus rifampicin may be used when prescribed by a doctor. The prescriber may recommend vitamin B6 and monitoring for liver problems. Rifampicin near delivery may increase bleeding risk, so medical supervision is important. Both medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts; breastfeeding is usually compatible with treatment when clinically indicated, but the infant should be observed and the mother should follow the doctor’s advice.

Storage Conditions

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date, and return unused or damaged medicine to a pharmacy or healthcare facility when possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stop taking G Rifam when I feel better?

No. TB medicines must be taken for the full duration prescribed by the doctor. Stopping early or missing doses can cause treatment failure and drug-resistant TB.

Why does G Rifam make my urine or tears orange-red?

Rifampicin can harmlessly turn urine, sweat, saliva, and tears orange-red. This is expected, but it can stain soft contact lenses permanently.

What warning signs should I watch for while taking G Rifam?

Seek urgent medical advice if you develop yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, severe nausea or vomiting, pale stools, severe abdominal pain, unusual bleeding, severe rash, confusion, seizures, or vision changes.

Can G Rifam affect birth control pills?

Yes. Rifampicin can reduce the reliability of hormonal contraceptives, including birth control pills. Discuss an additional or non-hormonal method with a healthcare professional.

Was this information helpful?

Last updated:

👨‍⚕️ Need to see a doctor? Find the best Medicine Specialist in Bangladesh →