Tuberculosis is a contagious respiratory disease caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. According to the Mayo Clinic, typical tuberculosis manifestations include a fever, night sweats, coughing up blood (hemoptysis), a poor appetite and chest pain while breathing (pleuritic pain). Isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide are possible treatments.
Isoniazid
Drugs.com indicates that isoniazid is an antibiotic medication used to manage tuberculosis symptoms. Specially, isoniazid prevents the multiplication of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. Side effects include dark urine, yellowing of the skin, stomach pain, fatigue and weakness. It may also cause confusion, dark-colored urine, yellow skin and seizures. You should not drink alcohol while taking isoniazid; the combination can elevate your risk of liver damage. Also, you should be cautious when eating certain cheeses, yogurt, bananas, avocados, chocolate and miso soup while taking isoniazide. The combination can cause diarrhea, nausea, flushing, sweating, itching, chest pain and neck stiffness. Isoniazid is a tablet that should be taken as your doctor says.
Rifampin
Rifampin, like isoniazid, is a medication that also destroys the mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium. MedlinePlus says that rifampin's common side effects include a headache, vomiting, bone pain, chills, heartburn, muscle pain, a skin rash, fever and yellowing of the skin. You must inform your physician if you're taking warfarin, methadone, prednisone or theophylline. Rifampin can make these medications less effective. Rifampin is a capsule that should be taken once a day for at least three months. In some cases, you may take rifampin for two years.
Pyrazinamide
The National Library of Medicine says pyrazinamide is another medication used to treat tuberculosis. Some of its side effects include fever, muscle pain, joint pain, acne, photosensitivity and anemia (low red blood cells). Typically, take 15mg/kg to 30mg/kg (of your body weight) of pyrazinamide daily for six months or as your doctor prescribes.
Ethambutol
Ethambutol also works to destroy the tuberculosis-causing bacteria. MedlinePlus indicates that ethambutol's common side effects include vomiting, poor appetite, numbness, stomach pain, itching, visual changes and the inability to see blue and green. Ethambutol is a medication taken once a day in the morning.
