Forecox Tablets 1*6

🧪 What is Forecox?

Forecox is a fixed‑dose, prescription-only anti‑tuberculosis (TB) medication formulated by Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd. It combines four key anti-TB drugs:

Rifampicin 225 mg

Isoniazid 150 mg

Ethambutol 400 mg

Pyrazinamide 750 mg

Available as a 450 mg tablet or in a strip of 6 tablets (~₹68–77 in India) .

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✅ Uses

First-line therapy for active tuberculosis (pulmonary and/or extrapulmonary), targeting Mycobacterium tuberculosis .

Suitable for both adults and children above 20 kg during the intensive phase of TB treatment .

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⚙️ How It Works

Isoniazid: Inhibits mycobacterial cell wall synthesis.

Rifampicin: Blocks RNA polymerase, preventing bacterial protein production.

Ethambutol & Pyrazinamide: Inhibit bacterial growth & enhance sterilization.
All together, they effectively kill and suppress TB bacteria .

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💊 Dosage & Administration

Taken on an empty stomach: 30 min before food or 2 hrs after meals with a full glass of water .

Tablets are film-coated and should not be split, crushed, or chewed .

Always complete the full course of therapy, even if symptoms improve .

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⚠️ Side Effects & Precautions

Common:

Weakness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rash, peripheral neuropathy, visual disturbances, hepatitis .

Serious:

Liver toxicity (monitor for jaundice, dark urine, pale stools)

Blood disorders (e.g., thrombocytopenia)

Visual changes (optic neuritis)

Hypersensitivity reactions

Precautions:

Use with caution in liver/kidney impairment, alcoholics, individuals with TB‑related nerve issues, HIV, diabetes, epilepsy, gout, mental illness .

Avoid in jaundiced patients or those allergic to components .

Not for children under 20 kg (except specific pediatric formulations) .

Not advised during pregnancy without medical supervision; breastfeeding requires caution .

Driving caution if dizziness or vision is affected .

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🍷 Drug & Food Interactions

Alcohol: Increases risk of liver toxicity and dizziness .

Tyramine-rich foods (cheese, smoked meats, fermented products): May cause a reaction .

Antacids containing aluminum may reduce antibiotic absorption — take ≥1 hour apart .

Rifampicin induces liver enzymes → may reduce effectiveness of many drugs (e.g., warfarin, oral contraceptives, antiepileptics, steroids) .

Isoniazid interactions: Disulfiram (CNS effects), false positive glucose tests, tyramine foods .

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🧪 Monitoring & Safety Tips

Baseline and periodic blood tests: Liver function (AST/ALT), renal profile, complete blood count.

Eye exams—especially monitoring for optic changes.

Evaluate for drug‑drug interactions, especially in concurrent conditions like HIV or epilepsy.

Report any unusual symptoms (e.g., jaundice, changes in vision, neuropathic signs, bleeding) immediately.

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📦 Packaging & Price

Common pack: 6 tablets per strip, marketed at ~₹68–77 (MRP up to ₹110) in India .

Manufactured and marketed by Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd .

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✅ Final Take

Forecox Tablet is a potent, multi‑drug fixed-dose therapy essential for standard TB treatment. It’s critical to adhere strictly to the prescribed regimen and undergo regular health monitoring. Due to its interaction profile and side effects, it should only be used under direct medical supervision with prescription.

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⏳ Reminder:

Always consult your physician or a TB specialist before starting or making any changes. For further specifics like contraindications or dose in special groups, refer to the full prescribing information (e.g., SmPC) or reputable TB treatment guidelines.