AC 4 Kit

AC 4 Kit is a prescription medicine and it is to be taken it as suggested by the doctor. It should be taken in an empty stomach and take it at a fixed time to ensure better efficacy. Do not consume more than the recommended dose, as this may have harmful effects on your body. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. The course of the treatment must be completed even if you feel better. Sudden discontinuation of the treatment may affect the potency of the medicine. The medicine may take some to show its effects on the symptoms. However, it is advised to consult the doctor if you feel an aggravation of the condition or if your condition does not improve.

Some common side effects of this medicine are nausea, vomiting, fever, dark-colored urine, sweating, increased saliva, etc. To cope up with the side effects, you should drink plenty of water. If any of the side effects get aggravated, you must consult your doctor immediately. Generally, serious side effects are rare. If you experience any allergic reaction (rashes, itching, swelling, shortness of breath, etc.), you must seek immediate medical help.

Before taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you are taking any medicines for any health condition. Patients with liver and kidney ailments must take this medicine with proper consultation and caution. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult with the doctor before taking it. Avoid drinking alcohol as it can cause excessive drowsiness with this medicine. It usually does not impair your ability to drive, but you should not drive if it makes you feel sleepy or dizzy. During the treatment, you must take adequate rest and eat a healthy diet for a faster recovery. While on the medication, your doctor may ask for a few laboratory and diagnostic tests to know the effects of the medicine on your body.

Treatment of Tuberculosis (TB)

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.

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.

If you miss a dose of AC 4 Kit, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

You have been prescribed AC 4 Kit for the treatment of tuberculosis.

Take it on an empty stomach and preferably at the same time everyday.

Try not to forget a dose, as this increases the risk of the bacteria becoming resistant to the medicine, and also increases the risk of getting side effects.

It may discolour your urine, sweat, saliva and tears a reddish/orange colour. This is normal and not harmful.

Your doctor may check your liver function before starting treatment and regularly thereafter. Inform your doctor if you notice yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, or stomach pain.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking AC 4 Kit as this may increase the risk of side effects on the liver.

It may cause vitamin B6 deficiency. Your doctor may prescribe vitamin B6 supplements to help avoid potential problems associated with its deficiency, such as inflammation of the nerves (neuritis). 

Use a reliable contraceptive method (such as condoms or a diaphragm) to prevent pregnancy while you are taking AC 4 Kit as it may make hormonal contraceptives such as the pill less effective.

Do not take indigestion remedies (antacids)  within at least two hours of taking AC 4 Kit.

Finish the full course of the medication, even if you feel better. Stopping the course early increases the risk of coming back of the infection.

Q. How to take AC 4 Kit?

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

Q. Can I drink alcohol while taking AC 4 Kit?

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

Q. Can the use of AC 4 Kit cause discoloration of the urine?

Yes, AC 4 Kit 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).

Q. Can AC 4 Kit cause visual impairment?

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

Q. Can I discontinue AC 4 Kit if I feel well?

No, do not discontinue AC 4 Kit. 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 Kit 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).

Q. Can I take oral contraceptive pills while taking AC 4 Kit?

No, AC 4 Kit 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).

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

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.

In Treatment of Tuberculosis (TB)

AC 4 Kit is a combination of medicines that is used to treat tuberculosis, an infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs but can affect other parts of the body as well. It kills as well as stops the growth of infection causing bacteria and helps in treating the infection. Take it in the dose and duration advised by the doctor. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cured. Do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor as doing so may cause the infection to return or worsen. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get maximum benefit.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Visual impairment

Increased uric acid level in blood

Jaundice

Increased liver enzymes

Peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness of feet and hand)

Watery eyes

Salivation

Increased sputum production

Sweating

Dark colored urine

Fever

Rash

Vomiting

Nausea

Alcohol:UNSAFE

Consuming alcohol while taking AC 4 Kit may cause symptoms such as flushing, increased heart beat, nausea, thirst, chest pain and low blood pressure (Disulfiram reaction).

Pregnancy:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

AC 4 Kit may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

Breast feeding:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

AC 4 Kit is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.

Driving:UNSAFE

AC 4 Kit may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.AC 4 Kit occasionally causes sight problems and tingling or numbness in hand or feet. After taking this medicine you should not drive until you know how it affects you.

Kidney:CAUTION

AC 4 Kit should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of AC 4 Kit may be needed. Please consult your doctor.Kidney function tests are advisable before the start of this medicine.

Liver:CAUTION

AC 4 Kit should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of AC 4 Kit may be needed. Please consult your doctor.Regular monitoring of liver function tests is advised before and after the start of the treatment.

Gumbo T. Chemotherapy of Tuberculosis, Mycobacterium Avium Complex Disease, and Leprosy. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.; 2011. view

Drugs.com. Rifampicin. view

Ethambutol. Ontario, Canada: Patheon Inc.; 2007. view

Drugs.com. Pyrazinamide. view