Tuberculosis refers to a chronic lung problem in which the mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria leads to coughing up blood, unintentional weight loss, trouble breathing, chest pain and wheezing. Additional symptoms include fatigue, fever and excessive sweating at night. Fortunately, drugs for tuberculosis treatment exist.
Rifapentine
Rifapentine, commonly sold as Priftin, is a medication designed to treat tuberculosis. Drugs.com says that rifapentine is an antibiotic medication that stops the tuberculosis bacteria from multiplying.
Rifapentine's less concerning side effects include headache, stomach pain, a skin rash and itching. In some instances, this drug can cause joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and red or brown saliva, tears, sweat, stool or urine. Notify a doctor when rifapentine's less serious side effects last for greater than five days.
Rifapentine's serious side effects include blood in the urine, weakness, easy bleeding or bruising, body aches and chills. This drug's other side effects include pale skin and a fever. Phone a doctor when rifapentine's side effects develop.
Suffering from liver disease may require a change in rifapentine's dose.
This drug is a tablet taken daily or as indicated.
Rifampin
Rifampin, commonly sold as Rifadin or Rimactine, is another medication that manages tuberculosis. Drugs.com indicates that rifampin is also an antibiotic medication that halts the progression of the tuberculosis bacteria.
Rifampin's less serious side effects include fatigue and a red or orange color to the urine, saliva, sweat, stools and tears. Inform a physician when rifampin's less concerning effects stick around for more than seven days.
Rifampin's serious side effects include easy bleeding or bruising, weakness, joint pain or swelling, stomach pain, a poor appetite and yellowing of the eyes or skin. Additional effects include decreased urination, a fever and flu symptoms. Notify a doctor when rifampin leads to these side effects.
An alteration in rifampin's dose may be needed when suffering from liver disease or porphyria, a condition affecting the nervous system or skin, says Drugs.com.
Rifampin is a capsule taken once daily or as prescribed.
Pyrazinamide
Pyrazinamide is yet another medication used for treating tuberculosis. MedlinePlus says that this drug is also an antibiotic medication used to destroy bacteria.
Pyrazinamide's less serious side effects include fatigue and stomach problems. Notify a physician as soon as pyrazinamide leads to these effects.
Pyrazinamide's serious side effects include a fever, vomiting, trouble urinating, yellowing of the skin or eyes, easy bleeding or bruising and painful joints. In some instances, pyrazinamide can lead to a poor appetite, a fever, vomiting and difficult urination. Call a doctor when pyrazinamide's serious effects develop.
Avoid sunlight while taking pyrazinamide as it can lead to skin rashes and burns.
Pyrazinamide is a tablet taken daily.
