Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection caused by a slow-growing bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The infection usually affects the lungs but may spread to other parts of the body. According to the University of Michigan Health System, two or more antibiotics are given simultaneously for four to nine months to treat pulmonary TB. However, the treatment may last for at least 12 months if the infection spreads to other organs. Treatment of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) may take as long as 24 months.
Isoniazid
Isoniazid is the one of the most common antibiotics used to treat or prevent TB. It may be given alone or in combination with other antibiotics. Isoniazid can eliminate only actively growing bacteria; the treatment should be continued for six to 12 months for complete eradication of the infection. Isoniazid can be administered orally or intramuscularly and common side effects include diarrhea and vision problems. A serious side effect of isoniazid is serious liver damage. Call a doctor if excessive weakness, upset stomach, dark yellow or brown urine, and yellowing of the skin or eyes occurs.
Rifampin
Rifampin is used in combination with other anti-TB antibiotics to eliminate Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The drug is available in a capsule form, to be taken orally. The duration of the treatment can last from three months to two years. Common side effects include headache, muscle pain, heartburn and upset stomach. Rifampin resistance among Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains is a growing problem. An article in the December 2009 edition of the John Hopkins Bloomberg Public Health Newsletter reports that researchers have identified a strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis that thrives in the presence of rifampin.
Pyrazinamide
Pyrazinamide is another antibiotic that is administered in combination with other anti-TB drugs to kill or prevent the growth of the TB bacteria. It comes in a tablet form and is taken orally with or without food. Common side effects include upset stomach, fatigue, skin rash, fever, pain and swelling in the joints.
Ethambutol
Ethambutol is used to treat and prevent the spread of tuberculosis. It is available as a tablet and is taken orally, once a day in the morning. Pubmed Health from the National Institutes of Health recommends taking the drug with food as it may cause stomach upset. Other side effects include numbness and tingling in the hands or feet, blurred vision, sudden changes in vision, skin rash and itching.
Other Antibiotics
Although isonizid, rifampin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol are the most common antibiotics used to treat TB, extensive drug resistance has developed, especially to isonizid and rifampin. A World Health Organization report published in March 2010 estimates that about 440,000 people suffered from multidrug-resistant TB worldwide in 2008 and that 1/3 of them died. The University of Michigan Health Center recommends alternate antibiotics such as rifapentine, streptomycin, ethionamide, cycloserine, capreomycin, levofloxacin and moxifloxacin to treat these cases. The type of alternative depends on the condition of the patient, reported allergies, cost of the antibiotic and interactions with other drugs.
