Akurit 4 Tablet – Combination treatment for tuberculosis (TB)

Akurit 4 Tablet

Prescription Required

Marketer

Lupin Ltd

SALT COMPOSITION

Isoniazid (75mg) + Rifampicin (150mg) + Ethambutol (275mg) + Pyrazinamide (400mg)

Storage

Store below 30°C

Click here to view all substitutes

Buynow

Product Introduction

Akurit 4 Tablet is a powerful fixed-dose combination (FDC) anti-tuberculosis medication that combines four essential first-line drugs to combat tuberculosis (TB) infection. This comprehensive formulation contains Isoniazid (75mg), Rifampicin (150mg), Ethambutol (275mg), and Pyrazinamide (400mg) in a single tablet, making it an integral part of the standard treatment regimen for tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis remains a significant global health challenge, affecting millions of people worldwide each year. The disease primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other organs and systems. The strategic combination of these four medications in Akurit 4 provides a multifaceted approach to eliminating the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria responsible for TB infection.

This fixed-dose combination offers several advantages over individual medication administration. By combining four drugs into one tablet, Akurit 4 significantly improves patient compliance, reduces the pill burden, minimizes the risk of inappropriate dosing, and helps prevent the development of drug resistance. This combination therapy is particularly valuable in resource-limited settings where tuberculosis prevalence is high.

Akurit 4 is typically prescribed during the intensive phase of tuberculosis treatment, which usually lasts for the first two months. This phase aims to rapidly reduce the bacterial load and minimize the risk of transmission. After this intensive phase, treatment may continue with a reduced number of drugs for an additional four months in what is known as the continuation phase.

The formulation is designed for adult patients and is dosed based on the patient's weight to ensure optimal therapeutic effect while minimizing potential side effects. Regular monitoring by healthcare professionals during treatment helps manage any adverse effects and ensures the medication is working effectively.

Akurit 4 represents a significant advancement in tuberculosis treatment by streamlining therapy, improving adherence, and providing a standardized approach to managing this infectious disease. Its role in the Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) strategy, recommended by the World Health Organization, has contributed to better treatment outcomes and reduced TB transmission rates globally.

As with any medication, Akurit 4 should be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider, and the full course of treatment must be completed even if symptoms improve before the end of the prescribed period. This complete adherence is crucial to eradicate the infection fully and prevent the development of drug-resistant tuberculosis strains.

Key Composition & Ingredients

Akurit 4 Tablet contains four active pharmaceutical ingredients:

• Isoniazid (75mg): A bactericidal agent that inhibits mycolic acid synthesis
• Rifampicin (150mg): A broad-spectrum antibiotic that inhibits bacterial RNA synthesis
• Ethambutol (275mg): A bacteriostatic agent that interferes with cell wall synthesis
• Pyrazinamide (400mg): A bactericidal compound active against semi-dormant tuberculosis bacteria

Uses of Akurit 4 Tablet

• Primary treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis
• Treatment of extrapulmonary tuberculosis
• Management of multi-organ tuberculosis infections
• Part of standard DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Short-course) therapy

Benefits of Akurit 4 Tablet

• Simplified treatment regimen with reduced pill burden
• Improved patient compliance and adherence
• Reduced risk of inappropriate dosing
• Prevention of drug resistance development
• Cost-effective tuberculosis management
• Standardized treatment approach

How Akurit 4 Tablet Works

Akurit 4 employs a multi-targeted approach to combat tuberculosis infection:

1. Isoniazid: Inhibits the synthesis of mycolic acids, essential components of the mycobacterial cell wall, leading to bacterial cell death.
2. Rifampicin: Blocks bacterial RNA synthesis by binding to the β-subunit of bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, preventing bacterial replication.
3. Ethambutol: Interferes with arabinosyl transferase enzymes involved in cell wall biosynthesis, particularly impacting the growing bacterial population.
4. Pyrazinamide: Converted to pyrazinoic acid within bacterial cells, which disrupts membrane transport and energy production, particularly effective against semi-dormant bacteria in acidic environments.

Dosage of Akurit 4 Tablet

Daily Dose

• 30-39 kg: 2 tablets daily
• 40-54 kg: 3 tablets daily
• 55-70 kg: 4 tablets daily
• >70 kg: 5 tablets daily

Missed Dose

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it's almost time for the next dose. Do not double dose.

Overdose

Seek immediate medical attention if overdose is suspected. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, and liver complications.

Mode of Action of Akurit 4 Tablet

The combined action of all four components provides a synergistic effect:

• Rapidly reduces bacterial load during the intensive phase
• Targets both actively growing and semi-dormant bacteria
• Prevents the emergence of resistant strains
• Creates multiple barriers to bacterial survival and replication

How to Use Akurit 4 Tablet

Take Akurit 4 Tablet exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Typically, it should be:

• Taken once daily on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals
• Swallowed whole with a full glass of water
• Taken at the same time each day
• Continued for the full prescribed duration, even if symptoms improve

Side Effects of Akurit 4 Tablet

Common Side Effects

• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Orange-red discoloration of body fluids
• Joint pain
• Mild skin rash

Serious Side Effects

• Hepatotoxicity (liver damage)
• Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage)
• Visual disturbances
• Severe allergic reactions
• Decreased blood cell counts

Safety Advice for Akurit 4 Tablet

Alcohol

UNSAFE - Alcohol consumption increases the risk of liver damage.

Pregnancy

CONSULT DOCTOR - Benefits may outweigh risks in active TB.

Breastfeeding

CAUTION - All components pass into breast milk. Monitor infant for side effects.

Driving

CAUTION - May cause dizziness or visual disturbances affecting driving ability.

Kidney Function

CAUTION - Dose adjustment may be required in patients with impaired renal function.

Liver Function

CAUTION - Regular liver function monitoring required due to hepatotoxicity risk.

Children

NOT RECOMMENDED - This fixed-dose combination is not suitable for children under 30 kg.

Older Patients

CAUTION - May require dose adjustment and closer monitoring for side effects.

Allergy

AVOID - Do not use if allergic to any component of the tablet.

Warnings & Precautions of Akurit 4 Tablet

• Regular liver function monitoring is essential
• Visual acuity and color discrimination tests may be necessary
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) supplementation recommended to prevent peripheral neuropathy
• Use with caution in patients with diabetes, gout, or porphyria
• Avoid in patients with severe liver or kidney disease
• Regular follow-up with healthcare provider is crucial

Interactions with Akurit 4 Tablet

Drug Interactions

• Antacids (aluminum, magnesium): Decreased absorption of Rifampicin and Isoniazid
• Anticoagulants: Reduced effectiveness of warfarin
• Oral contraceptives: Decreased contraceptive effectiveness
• Anticonvulsants: Altered serum levels requiring dose adjustments
• Corticosteroids: Reduced effectiveness of corticosteroids

Food Interactions

• High-tyramine foods may cause hypertensive reactions
• Avoid foods rich in histamine
• Limit caffeine consumption as metabolism may be affected

Contraindications of Akurit 4 Tablet

• Known hypersensitivity to any component
• Acute liver disease
• History of drug-induced liver injury from anti-TB medications
• Severe renal impairment
• Optic neuritis
• Severe gout

Diet & Lifestyle Advice

• Maintain adequate hydration
• Consume a balanced, nutritious diet
• Avoid excessive sun exposure as photosensitivity may occur
• Abstain from alcohol completely during treatment
• Take vitamin B6 supplements as advised
• Get regular exercise as tolerated
• Ensure adequate rest and sleep

Why Doctors Recommend Akurit 4 Tablet

• Simplified once-daily dosing improves treatment adherence
• Fixed-dose combination prevents selective drug non-compliance
• Standardized dosing reduces prescription errors
• Comprehensive coverage against TB bacteria reduces treatment failure
• WHO-recommended first-line treatment for tuberculosis
• Cost-effective treatment option

Substitutes of Akurit 4 Tablet & Alternative Medicines

• Forecox HRZE Kit
• Rimstar 4-FDC
• Myrin-P Forte
• Forect HRZE
• Individual components (Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Ethambutol, Pyrazinamide) may be prescribed separately

Storage Guidelines

• Store at room temperature (15-30°C)
• Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use after the expiration date
• Store in the original packaging

Quick Tips for Akurit 4 Tablet Use

• Take the medication on an empty stomach for better absorption
• The orange-red discoloration of urine, tears, and sweat is normal and harmless
• Avoid missing doses to prevent drug resistance
• Complete the full course of treatment even if you feel better
• Report any visual changes or yellowing of skin immediately
• Regular follow-up with your doctor is essential

Fact Box

• Chemical Class: Fixed-dose combination of anti-tuberculosis drugs
• Habit Forming: No
• Therapeutic Class: Anti-tuberculosis agents
• Action Class: Bactericidal and bacteriostatic antibiotics

Useful Diagnostic Tests

• Liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin)
• Complete blood count
• Kidney function tests
• Visual acuity and color vision testing
• Sputum microscopy and culture for treatment monitoring
• Chest X-ray

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. Individual responses to medication may vary. The full course of treatment must be completed as prescribed to ensure effective tuberculosis management and prevent drug resistance.