Tuberculosis is a contagious lung infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Symptoms of tuberculosis include fever, chills, unexplained weight loss, coughing, chest pain and fatigue. If you develop tuberculosis, your doctor may recommend a combination of medications that you will need to take for six to nine months to kill the infection. Of the ten drugs that are currently approved to treat tuberculosis by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide are the most commonly used in the initial treatment of this disease.
Isoniazid
Isoniazid, a medication that was discovered in 1952, attacks the Mycobacterium tuberculosis by preventing cell wall synthesis. This interferes with the ability of the bacterium to replicate and spread throughout the body. Isoniazid can be used to treat both children and adults and can be administered orally (tablet or syrup) or by intravenous (IV) injection. Side effects of isoniazid can include diarrhea, irritability, fever, rash, liver damage and allergic reaction.
Rifampin
Rifampin is a tuberculosis medication that was discovered in 1966 and prevents Mycobacterium tuberculosis from replicating its genetic material (ribonucleic acid, or RNA). This inhibits the ability of the bacterium to spread throughout the body. Rifampin can be used to treat tuberculosis infection in both children and adults. This medication is typically administered orally (capsule) but can also be provided through IV injection. Side effects of rifampin include skin rash, nausea, abdominal pain and liver damage. Your urine, sweat, tears and other body fluids will appear orange as a side effect of taking this medication, report health professionals in an Official Joint Statement regarding the treatment of tuberculosis put forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Thoracic Society and the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
Ethambutol
Ethambutol is a medication that was discovered in 1961 and, like isoniazid, acts to inhibit Mycobacterium tuberculosis cell wall synthesis, thereby preventing the bacteria from spreading throughout the body. This medication is typically not recommended for use in children but is commonly used to treat adults with tuberculosis. In adults, ethambutol is administered orally (tablet) once per day. The primary side effects of this medication include decreased visual sharpness (acuity) and color blindness.
Pyrazinamide
Pyrazinamide, a medication discovered in 1952, attacks Mycobacterium tuberculosis through an unknown mechanism. Both children and adults can use this medication, which is administered orally (tablet). Side effects of pyrazinamide include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, muscle pain, liver damage and increased skin sensitivity to the sun.
