Specific medications, primarily antibiotics, are effective at killing tuberculosis (TB) germs.
Medications for Drug-Susceptible TB
Drug-susceptible TB is treated with a combination of antibiotics.
| Medication Name | Duration in Initial Phase | Duration in Continuation Phase |
|---|---|---|
| Isoniazid (INH) | 2 months | 4 months |
| Rifampicin (RIF) | 2 months | 4 months |
| Pyrazinamide | 2 months | 0 months |
| Ethambutol | 2 months | 0 months |
This treatment typically lasts for six months, consisting of an initial intensive phase of 2 months and a continuation phase of 4 months.
Medications for Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) TB
Multi-drug resistant TB, where the germs are resistant to common drugs, requires more extensive treatment.
- Treatment of MDR-TB can require up to two years of chemotherapy.
- The medications used may vary depending on the resistance patterns and can have significant side effects.
Effective treatment of TB, whether drug-susceptible or MDR, is critical to eradicating the disease.
