Formulary Monographs [ANTITUBERCULARS, 0816]

ANTITUBERCULARS
ANTIMYCOBACTERIALS
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 con-sidered
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)