Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the bacterial pathogen responsible for the infectious disease, tuberculosis Inhaled particles of the tuberculosis bacilli enter the lungs where it multiplies and causes a local infection. Furthermore, the bacteria spreads to the lymph nodes, and via the lymphatic system, it is capable of affecting almost every organ. According to the World Health Organization, tuberculosis remains one of the most prevalent and deadliest diseases afflicting one-third of the world's population and resulting in 1.8 million deaths in the year 2008. Tuberculosis is treated with antibiotics.
Isoniazid
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, isoniazid is the first line of antibiotic drugs used for treating Tuberculosis. Isoniazid is prescribed for patients with a latent or non active tuberculosis infection. Isoniazid has profound bactericidal activity especially in the early stages of infection, rapidly killing and inhibiting bacterial growth. Isoniazid is prescribed for a period of nine months and taken once daily or twice weekly. Side effects commonly associated with isoniazid include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. In severe cases, side effects can include liver toxicity, hepatitis and peripheral neuropathy.
Rifampin
Rifampin is medication used for the treatment of active tuberculosis. Rifampin is prescribed for a period of six to nine months and is used in combination with other tuberculosis medications including isoniazid, ethambutol and pyrazinamide, notes the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. It is further noted that without rifampin, most antituberculosis medications would require at least 18 months of treatment, showing the fundamental role of rifampin in the treatment of active tuberculosis. Side effects commonly associated with rifampin includes nausea, diarrhea, headaches, fevers and in severe cases, liver toxicity and allergic reactions.
Ethambutol Hydrocholoride
According to Drugs.com, ethambutol hydrocholoride is an oral chemotherapeutic drug that specifically targets and destroys actively growing bacterial organisms belonging to the genus Mycobacterium, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Ethambutol is prescribed for patients with active tuberculosis for a period of six to nine months. This drug in used in combination other antituberculosis medications including isoniazid, rifampin and pyrazinamide. Side effects such as tingling or numbness, vomiting and nausea are commonly associated with ethambutol; however, in severe cases, ethambutol causes an inflammation of the optic nerve leading to blurred vision and blindness.
