Forecox Tablet: Complete Guide to Uses, Dosage, and Safety
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
- Dark urine or pale stools
- Severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Sudden fever, rash, or swelling of face, lips, or throat
- Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
- Vision changes or eye pain
- Decreased urine output or swelling in legs
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Seizures or confusion
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is forecox tablet used for?
This medicine is a combination of isoniazid and rifampicin used to treat tuberculosis. It works by killing the bacteria that cause TB. It must be taken exactly as prescribed, usually on an empty stomach, and alcohol should be avoided.
- Generic Name: Isoniazid (150mg) + Rifampicin (225mg)
- Manufacturer: Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 forecox tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा तपेदिक (टीबी) के इलाज के लिए इस्तेमाल की जाती है। इसमें आइसोनियाजिड और रिफैम्पिसिन दो प्रभावी एंटी-टीबी दवाएं शामिल हैं। यह माइकोबैक्टीरियम ट्यूबरकुलोसिस नामक बैक्टीरिया को मारती है जो टीबी का कारण बनता है। यह दवा अकेले नहीं, बल्कि अन्य टीबी दवाओं के साथ मिलकर दी जाती है। इसे डॉक्टर के निर्देशानुसार ही लें, खुद से नहीं।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: आम दुष्प्रभावों में जी मिचलाना, उल्टी, पेट दर्द, भूख न लगना और सिरदर्द शामिल हैं। रिफैम्पिसिन के कारण पेशाब, पसीना और आंसू नारंगी-लाल रंग के हो सकते हैं, जो हानिकारक नहीं है। गंभीर दुष्प्रभावों में लिवर की सूजन, पीलिया, गंभीर एलर्जी और तंत्रिका संबंधी समस्याएं शामिल हैं। कोई भी असामान्य लक्षण दिखने पर तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें, खाली पेट लें और पानी के साथ निगलें। इलाज के दौरान शराब बिल्कुल न पिएं क्योंकि इससे लिवर को नुकसान हो सकता है। बीच में दवा बंद न करें, वरना टीबी दवा-प्रतिरोधी हो सकती है। अगर आपको पीलिया, गहरे रंग का पेशाब, या लगातार उल्टी हो, तो तुरंत डॉक्टर को बताएं। नियमित जांच कराते रहें।
💊 forecox tablet Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Active pulmonary tuberculosis","description":"Used as part of a combination regimen to treat tuberculosis of the lungs caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Extrapulmonary tuberculosis","description":"Used in combination therapy for TB affecting lymph nodes, bones, joints, urinary tract, or other organs.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Latent tuberculosis infection","description":"Sometimes used to prevent progression to active TB in people with latent infection, as part of a prescribed regimen.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Tuberculous meningitis","description":"Included in multi-drug treatment for TB infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.","evidence":"Well-established"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Atypical mycobacterial infections","description":"Occasionally used in combination with other drugs for certain non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections, based on susceptibility testing.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Leprosy","description":"Rifampicin, one component, is part of multi-drug therapy for leprosy, but this specific combination is not standard for leprosy.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Tuberculosis
Also treats: Latent tuberculosis infection, Tuberculous meningitis, Extrapulmonary tuberculosis
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Isoniazid (150mg) + Rifampicin (225mg) |
| Brand Name | forecox tablet |
| Manufacturer | Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | ANTI INFECTIVES |
| Action Class | |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Keep in a tightly closed container, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate unless specified by the manufacturer. |
| Shelf Life | Typically 24 months from the date of manufacture, but refer to the packaging for the exact expiry date. |
| WHO Guideline | The World Health Organization recommends isoniazid and rifampicin as first-line antitubercular medicines for the treatment of drug-susceptible tuberculosis. Fixed-dose combinations are recommended to improve adherence and reduce the risk of resistance. |
| ICMR Guideline | The Indian Council of Medical Research recommends isoniazid and rifampicin as part of the standard regimen for tuberculosis under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP). Daily fixed-dose combination therapy is preferred. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine combines two antitubercular agents with complementary mechanisms. Isoniazid is a prodrug activated by the mycobacterial enzyme KatG; the activated form inhibits InhA, an enzyme required for mycolic acid synthesis, thereby disrupting the bacterial cell wall. Rifampicin binds to the beta subunit of bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, blocking RNA synthesis and preventing protein production. Together, they kill actively dividing and dormant Mycobacterium tuberculosis, reducing the bacterial load and preventing resistance when used in combination.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take forecox tablet
Strength: Each tablet contains isoniazid 150 mg and rifampicin 225 mg. This is an immediate-release oral tablet.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose for tuberculosis treatment is based on body weight and is determined by a qualified clinician. For the combination of isoniazid and rifampicin, typical daily doses are isoniazid 5 mg/kg (up to 300 mg) and rifampicin 10 mg/kg (up to 600 mg), taken once daily on an empty stomach. This fixed-dose combination provides 150 mg isoniazid and 225 mg rifampicin per tablet; the number of tablets per dose varies. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function, and other medications. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician for appropriate dosing in children. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients may require dose adjustments based on renal and hepatic function. Use with caution and monitor closely for side effects. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Renal Impairment | Dose adjustment may be necessary in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min). Isoniazid and rifampicin are both removed by hemodialysis; doses may need to be scheduled after dialysis. Consult a nephrologist or clinical pharmacist for guidance. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Use with extreme caution in patients with hepatic impairment. Dose reduction or alternative therapy may be required. Monitor liver function tests closely. Contraindicated in acute liver disease. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum daily dose is not fixed and depends on the prescribed regimen. Typically, isoniazid should not exceed 300 mg per day and rifampicin should not exceed 600 mg per day, but higher doses may be used in certain conditions under medical supervision. Always follow your doctor's prescription. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of forecox tablet
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Warfarin | Major | |
| Oral contraceptives | Major | |
| Phenytoin | Moderate | |
| Ketoconazole | Moderate | |
| Probenecid | Moderate | |
| Corticosteroids | Moderate | |
| Haloperidol | Moderate | |
| Antacids | Minor | |
| Para-aminosalicylic acid | Minor | |
| Alcohol | Major |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Rifampicin is a potent inducer of cytochrome P450 enzymes and transporters.
- Isoniazid is a CYP2E1 inhibitor and can increase levels of drugs metabolized by this enzyme.
- Alcohol
- Warfarin
- Oral contraceptives
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Phenytoin
- Ketoconazole
- Probenecid
- Corticosteroids
- Haloperidol
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol should be strictly avoided while taking this medicine. Both isoniazid and rifampicin can cause liver damage, and alcohol significantly increases this risk. Alcohol may also worsen side effects like nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. If you have alcohol use disorder, discuss with your doctor before starting this medicine.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known hypersensitivity to isoniazid or rifampicin","Acute liver disease or severe hepatic impairment","Concurrent use with certain protease inhibitors or other highly interacting drugs","History of severe adverse reaction to any rifamycin antibiotic","Acute porphyria (rifampicin may precipitate attacks)"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["Monitor liver function closely; discontinue if signs of hepatitis occur.","Use with caution in patients with alcohol use disorder.","May cause peripheral neuropathy; pyridoxine supplementation may be needed.","Rifampicin may cause orange-red discoloration of body fluids; this is harmless.","Can reduce effectiveness of oral contraceptives; use alternative contraception.","May interact with many drugs; review all medications before starting.","Use with caution in patients with diabetes; isoniazid may affect blood sugar control.","Avoid in patients with acute porphyria.","Do not use for trivial infections; reserve for tuberculosis treatment.","Complete the full course of therapy to prevent resistance."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Both isoniazid and rifampicin are excreted in breast milk in small amounts. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers them compatible with breastfeeding. However, the infant should be monitored for jaundice and other side effects. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding while on this medicine.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose of this medicine can cause severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, metabolic acidosis, seizures, and hepatotoxicity. If overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Activated charcoal may be administered if the patient presents early. There is no specific antidote. Hemodialysis may be considered for severe isoniazid toxicity. Monitor liver function and vital signs closely.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you miss multiple doses, contact your doctor for guidance. Consistency is crucial for effective tuberculosis treatment.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day, and do not skip doses. Take it on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after a meal, with a full glass of water. Avoid alcohol completely while on this medicine because it increases the risk of liver damage. Inform your doctor if you have any liver or kidney problems, diabetes, or a history of seizures. Your doctor will likely monitor your liver function with blood tests before and during treatment. Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better, as stopping early can lead to drug-resistant TB. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose. Keep all follow-up appointments and take all other TB medicines exactly as prescribed. Tell your doctor about all other medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as this medicine can interact with many drugs. If you experience symptoms like yellowing of the eyes, dark urine, severe nausea, or unusual tiredness, contact your doctor immediately.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients are at higher risk of liver toxicity and drug interactions. Dose adjustments may be necessary based on liver and kidney function. Monitor closely for side effects and ensure adequate hydration and nutrition.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning pregnancy, discuss with your doctor before starting or continuing this medicine. Tuberculosis treatment is important for both mother and baby, but careful monitoring is required. Use effective contraception if you are taking rifampicin, as it can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
If you are undergoing surgery, inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist about this medicine. Rifampicin can interact with anesthetic agents and other perioperative drugs. Your doctor may need to adjust the timing or dose of this medicine around surgery.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist about this medicine before any dental procedure. Rifampicin can interact with certain antibiotics and anesthetics used in dentistry. Your dentist may need to adjust medications or take precautions.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
While on this medicine, you may experience fatigue and dizziness. Avoid strenuous exercise until you feel better. Light activities like walking are encouraged as tolerated. Consult your doctor before starting any exercise program.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine may cause dizziness and fatigue, which can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving if you feel dizzy. You can continue working if you feel well, but take precautions to avoid spreading TB to others, such as covering your mouth when coughing and wearing a mask in public. Discuss with your doctor about when you can return to work.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor. Treatment for tuberculosis must be completed as prescribed, even if you feel better. Stopping early can lead to drug-resistant TB. If you experience severe side effects, contact your doctor immediately; they may adjust the regimen. Only stop if your doctor advises you to do so.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine is typically for the duration of tuberculosis treatment, usually 6 months or more. Prolonged use can increase the risk of liver toxicity, peripheral neuropathy, and drug interactions. Regular monitoring of liver function and clinical assessments are essential. Most side effects are reversible upon discontinuation. Completing the full course is crucial to prevent relapse and resistance.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
A healthcare worker observes the patient taking each dose to ensure adherence.
Evidence: Well-establishedAdequate nutrition helps improve treatment outcomes and immune function.
Evidence: Well-establishedVitamin B6 is given to prevent isoniazid-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
This medicine may reduce the effectiveness of certain vaccines, particularly live vaccines, due to rifampicin's immune-modulating effects. Consult your doctor before receiving any vaccinations while on this medicine. The BCG vaccine is not a treatment for active TB.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature (15-30°C)
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless specified
✅ DO
Keep in original container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight
❌ DON'T
Do not store in bathroom cabinet
✅ DO
Keep out of reach of children
❌ DON'T
Do not use after expiry date
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When traveling, carry this medicine in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription. Keep it in your carry-on luggage to avoid loss or temperature extremes. If crossing time zones, consult your doctor about adjusting the timing of doses to maintain a 24-hour interval. Store at room temperature and avoid exposure to extreme heat or moisture. Check customs regulations for carrying prescription medicines internationally, and carry a doctor's letter if needed.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: You may start feeling better within a few weeks, but the full course of treatment usually lasts 6 months or longer. It is important to complete the entire course as prescribed.
A: No, you must complete the full course. Stopping early can lead to drug-resistant tuberculosis, which is much harder to treat.
A: Take it as soon as you remember if it is less than half the dosing interval. If more than half has passed, skip the dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double dose.
A: No, alcohol should be completely avoided as it increases the risk of liver damage.
A: It may be used during pregnancy if clinically indicated, but only under medical supervision. Your doctor may recommend vitamin B6 supplements.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for forecox tablet
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
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Stanex Kid 225 mg/150 mg TabletStanford Biotech Pvt Ltd ₹14.50 85.9% CHEAPER
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infez 3 kitShreya Life Sciences Pvt Ltd ₹14.69 85.7% CHEAPER
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wokex 4fd 225 mg/150 mg tabletWockhardt Ltd ₹19.67 80.9% CHEAPER
-
caviter fd tablet 225mg/150mgWockhardt Ltd ₹19.85 80.7% CHEAPER
-
Sunidot KitSunij Pharma Pvt Ltd ₹20.23 80.4% CHEAPER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can be stopped once symptoms improve.
Fact: You must complete the full course as prescribed to prevent drug-resistant tuberculosis. - Myth: This medicine is a general antibiotic for any infection.
Fact: This medicine is specifically for tuberculosis and should not be used for other infections. - Myth: The orange discoloration of urine means something is wrong.
Fact: This is a harmless and expected effect of rifampicin. - Myth: You can take this medicine with food to avoid stomach upset.
Fact: Food reduces absorption of rifampicin; take on an empty stomach unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Isoniazid and rifampicin combination tablets from other manufacturers
Brand Alternatives
- Forecox
- Rifampicin and isoniazid combination products