Rimstar tablets are a combination medication specifically designed to treat tuberculosis (TB). These tablets contain four main active ingredients used in the initial phase of TB treatment: rifampicin 150 mg, isoniazid 75 mg, pyrazinamide 400 mg, and ethambutol 275 mg. Each of these antibiotics works in a different way to kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria or inhibit their growth, thus eliminating the infection. Combining these four medications in one tablet makes it easier for patients to adhere to the dosage and reduces the risk of the bacteria developing resistance to treatment.
What are the ingredients in Rimstar?
Rimstar tablets contain the following active ingredients:
Rifampicin: 150 mg.
Isoniazid: 75 mg.
Pyrazinamide: 400 mg.
Ethambutol: 275 mg.
The tablets also contain inactive ingredients.
What are Rimstar tablets used for?
Rimstar tablets are primarily used to treat:
Initial stage of pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis: as part of a multidrug regimen according to standard TB treatment protocols.
The goal of treatment is to completely eradicate TB bacteria and prevent the spread of the disease and its development of drug resistance.
What are the dosages of Rimstar?
Rimstar tablets should be taken as directed by a TB specialist. Doses are determined precisely based on the patient's body weight and in accordance with national and international TB treatment guidelines. The medication is usually taken once daily on an empty stomach (one hour before or two hours after meals) to improve absorption.
The tablets should be swallowed whole with water. It is very important to strictly adhere to the prescribed doses and the entire duration of treatment, which may last for several months, even if symptoms improve, to ensure complete recovery and prevent recurrence and the development of drug resistance. Treatment is usually performed under direct observation (DOT) to ensure compliance.
What are the side effects of Rimstar?
Rimstar tablets may cause a range of side effects, some of which are common, and some can be serious and require close monitoring:
Common side effects:
Gastrointestinal disturbances: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite.
Orange or red discoloration of urine, sweat, and tears (due to rifampicin, a harmless side effect).
Skin rash, itching.
Joint pain.
Elevated liver enzymes.