Treatment of Tuberculosis

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Tuberculosis is treated with antituberculous drugs in combination, for at least 6 months.

Treatment normally consists of a combination of antibiotics. The standard treatment involves Isoniazid and Rifampicin being given for at least six months. In addition, Pyrazinamide and Ethambutol are also given for the first two months of treatment. Rifabutin, Cycloserine, Capreomycin and Streptomycin can also be used in the treatment of TB if drug resistance has been shown to be present

It is vital to complete the course of drugs as directed. If this is not done the bacteria will not be completely eradicated and drug- resistant strains may develop. Drug-resistant strains of the bacteria have become an increasing problem. The last decade has seen the spread of drug-resistant strains of the TB bacteria. Some strains are now resistant to the two leading drugs, Isoniazid and Rifampicin - this is defined as multi-drug resistance (MDR).