Hi,

Thanks for posting the query.

After having gone through the medical history of your wife, I would like to comment the following.

1. Your wife is taking Tab. forecox 2 tablet in the morning currently for Pulmonary TB (TB of the lungs).

2. The previous dosing of Tab. Forecox (1 in the morning & 1 in the evening) was wrong.

3. The correct dosing of Tab. Forecox is when it is taken at a single time (preferably in the morning).

4. Forecox contains 4 anti tubercular drugs in varied doses. The doses of antitubercular drugs are dependent on weight of the individual. If you could let me know her weight, I can guide you regarding the exact dosage needed by her.

5. Since she is having chest pain currently I would like to know the following:
- Based on what reports was she diagnosed to be suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis?
- Was chest xray, CT thorax or Sputum smear examination for acid fast bacilli done previously?
- Since it's about 2 months now was a repeat chest xray done to see the improvement in the lung lesion?
- How has been her weight since she has been diagnosed to be suffering from TB?

6. The hair loss that she is suffering from is not a side effect of anti tubercular drugs but seems to be associated with malnutrition / anemia / hypoproteinemia associated with tuberculosis. I suggest you improve her diet / continue her vitamin and protein supplements.

7. If she is having loss of appetite, you may start her on syrup Aptivate 2 teaspoon to be taken 20 minutes prior to each meal. It is available over the counter.

If you could let me know the details asked here, I would be helpful for me to explain it further to you.

Wish your wife a speedy recovery.

Take care

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Hi,

Thanks for the follow up.

As per your history;

1. Your wife was started on anti tubercular drugs for right sided tubercular pleural effusion.
And she is responding clinically and radiologically to the treatment (that is very good).

2. As per the current weight of 60 kg, the current dose of Tab Forecox 2 tablet per day is ok; but the doses of Rifampicin and ethambutol (in Forecox) are less (Even if your initial weight of 57 kg is considered then also these are slightly below the recommended doses).
A rather more accurate dose as per the current weight is present in Tab. Akurit 4 in which 4 tablets needs to be taken in the morning. After 2 months of therapy, it can be switched over to 2 drugs. Please discuss this with her treating physician.

3. Pain at the site of effusion early in therapy is quiet common due to occurrence of pleurisy (pleural inflammation). 6 to 8 weeks course of tapering steroid along with pain reliever medications as and when required normally prevents this. You can also discuss about the use of steroids with her primary physician too.

Hope I answered all your questions. Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.

Wish you Good Health.

Take care

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