Akurit-4 contains the active ingredients rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. It is produced by Lupin Ltd. and is prescribed by doctors for the treatment of tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in adults and children weighing over 20 kg during the intensive phase.
1. What is Akurit-4 used for and how is it administered?
Akurit-4 is a product from Lupin Ltd. and contains the active ingredients rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. With these active ingredients, Akurit-4 is prescribed by doctors for the treatment of tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in adults and children weighing 20 kg or more during the intensive phase.
Akurit-4 is available in film-coated tablets and is packaged in boxes containing 15 blister packs, each with 6 tablets.
2. How to use and dosage of Akurit-4
2.1. How to use
Akurit-4 is taken orally, as it is formulated in the form of film-coated tablets. Patients should take the medication on an empty stomach (at least one hour before or two hours after meals) because the drug’s bioavailability may be reduced when taken with food.
2.2. Dosage
Treatment phase
- For children weighing 21 - 30 kg: Take 2 tablets once a day. Note that the medicine should only be used for children who can swallow whole tablets.
- The dosage of Akurit-4 based on body weight is as follows:
- 30 - 39 kg: 2 tablets once a day
- 40 - 54 kg: 3 tablets once a day
- 55 - 70 kg: 4 tablets once a day
- Over 70 kg: 5 tablets once a day
Patients with tuberculosis being treated with Akurit-4 should not stop or interrupt treatment on their own. If necessary, such as reducing the dose or discontinuing the medication, patients must switch to the appropriate medication as directed by their doctor.
For patients with kidney disease: Those with a creatinine clearance of ≤ 50 ml/min should have their dosage adjusted according to their kidney function. Therefore, manufacturers and doctors typically recommend using formulations with a single active ingredient such as ethambutol, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin.
For patients with liver disease: The pharmacokinetics of the active ingredients isoniazid and rifampin may be altered in patients with liver dysfunction. Therefore, close monitoring for signs of toxicity is required for patients with liver disease. Akurit-4 should not be prescribed to patients with acute liver disease.
For children and patients weighing under 20 kg: Akurit-4 is not suitable for patients weighing under 20 kg because the dosage cannot be adjusted appropriately.
For elderly patients: The dosage does not need to be adjusted for elderly patients. However, older adults often have decreased liver and kidney function, so consideration should be given to supplementing with pyridoxine (vitamin B6) during treatment.
Treatment interruption
If treatment with Akurit-4 is interrupted during the intensive phase, patients should not continue using this medication but should switch to using single-active ingredient formulations, as the dose of rifampin may need to be reduced.
Note: The dosage mentioned is for reference only. The specific dosage of Akurit-4 depends on the patient's physical condition and the progression of the disease. For an appropriate dosage, patients should consult their doctor or pharmacist.
3. Contraindications for Akurit-4
Akurit-4 should not be used in the following cases:
- Patients who are allergic to any component of the medication.
- Patients with severe liver dysfunction.
- Women in the first trimester of pregnancy.
- Patients with acute gout.
4. Side Effects of Akurit-4
During the use of Akurit-4, patients may experience some of the following side effects:
- Nausea, vomiting.
- Fever, redness, and skin rash.
- Dark urine.
- Sweating.
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
- Increased liver enzymes.
- Increased blood uric acid levels.
In addition to the side effects mentioned above, patients may experience other side effects. Therefore, if any side effects occur, patients should inform their doctor for advice and timely management.
5. Drug Interactions with Akurit-4
Akurit-4 may interact with the following drugs:
- Atazanavir
Cabazitaxel
Darunavir
Delavirdine
Fosamprenavir
Lurasidone
Dronedarone
Etravirine
Nifedipine
Praziquantel, etc.
To avoid potential drug interactions while using Akurit-4, patients should list all medications, including herbal products, traditional medicine, and dietary supplements, to their doctor.
6. Precautions When Using Akurit-4
While using Akurit-4, patients should be aware of the following and inform their doctor if:
- You are allergic to any ingredient in the medication.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You have a history of liver, kidney disease, or high uric acid levels.
- You are taking other medications.
Currently, there have been no reports of risks associated with using Akurit-4 in pregnant or breastfeeding women. However, to avoid potential risks, you should inform your doctor or pharmacist.
7. Overdose and Missed Dose Management for Akurit-4
- Missed Dose: If you miss a dose of Akurit-4, take it as soon as you remember. However, if the time for the next dose is near, skip the missed dose and continue with the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed dose.
- Overdose: Overdose of Akurit-4 can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, digestive disturbances, headaches, dizziness, hallucinations, and facial swelling. It may even lead to coma and seizures. In this case, family members should take the patient to the nearest healthcare facility for evaluation and treatment. Management of overdose includes inducing vomiting, gastric lavage, and administering activated charcoal. Pyridoxine and diazepam may be used for intravenous injection and hemodialysis. Currently, no specific antidote is available for Akurit-4.
Store Akurit-4 in a dry place, away from direct light. Keep the medication out of the reach of children and pets. Do not use the medication after its expiration date or if there are signs of damage.
In conclusion, Akurit-4 contains the active ingredients rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. It is produced by Lupin Ltd. and is prescribed by doctors for the treatment of tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in adults and children weighing over 20 kg during the intensive phase.
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