The five first-line drugs used to treat tuberculosis (TB), as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), are:
| Drug Name | Abbreviation |
|---|---|
| Isoniazid | H |
| Rifampicin | R |
| Pyrazinamide | Z |
| Ethambutol | E |
| Streptomycin | S |
These medications are essential components of the standardized anti-TB treatment regimens. Here is a breakdown of why these drugs are the first line of defense against TB:
- Isoniazid (H): A crucial bactericidal drug effective against actively growing TB bacteria.
- Rifampicin (R): Another powerful bactericidal drug that targets a broad range of TB bacteria, helping to shorten the treatment duration.
- Pyrazinamide (Z): This drug is especially effective in the acidic environment found in macrophages where TB bacteria may reside. It is vital in the initial phase of treatment to reduce the length of therapy.
- Ethambutol (E): This drug is primarily a bacteriostatic agent that helps prevent the emergence of drug resistance, especially when used with other first-line medications.
- Streptomycin (S): An injectable aminoglycoside antibiotic that is effective against TB. Although less used in the initial phase of treatment, it is crucial in certain cases.
These five drugs, used in combination, are the cornerstone of TB treatment globally. They are specifically chosen because of their effectiveness, safety, and ability to work together in eradicating the bacteria.
