Topic overview

Start with the big picture

The standard active-TB regimen described here begins with two months of isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, followed by four months of isoniazid and rifampicin. Key safety considerations include liver toxicity, isoniazid-associated neurotoxicity, rifampicin drug interactions, and ethambutol-related visual effects. Monitoring may include liver tests, blood counts, uric acid, and vision, with ECG monitoring when QT-prolonging agents are used. The topic also distinguishes latent TB treatment from active disease and introduces management considerations for drug-resistant TB and special clinical scenarios. These principles provide a framework for understanding why regimen selection, adherence support, and patient-specific monitoring are central to TB pharmacotherapy.