The treatment of tuberclosis can be divided into two phases, an initial phase where three drugs are used and a second or continuation phase where two drugs are used. The recommended regime is an initial phase of Isoniazid, Rifampicin and either Streptomycin or Etham-butol for two months and a continuation phase of Isoniazid and Rifampicin for seven months i.e. a total treatment time of nine months.

Isoniazid is still considered to be the primary drug for chemotherapy of tuberculosis. Cautions/Side Effects Patients on long term Isoniazid should be given Pyridoxine Hydrochloride prophylactically. Rifampicin is a potent inducer of liver enzymes and may provide important interactions with other drugs. (see p. 42)