Anti - TB Flashcards
What is the causative agent of tuberculosis?
The causative agent of tuberculosis is a bacterial pathogen called Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
What are the first-line drugs used in the treatment of tuberculosis?
The first-line drugs are Isoniazid (INH), rifampicin, ethambutol, pyrazinamide, and streptomycin.
What are the two phases of tuberculosis treatment?
The two phases are the initial (intensive) phase and the continuation (maintenance) phase.
What is the mechanism of action of Isoniazid (INH)?
Isoniazid prevents the synthesis of components unique to mycobacterial cell walls (mycolic acid).
What are the adverse effects of Isoniazid (INH)?
The most severe adverse effect is liver damage. Others include mental disturbance, optic neuritis, incoordination, and convulsion.
What is the mechanism of action of rifampicin?
Rifampicin acts by inhibiting RNA synthesis.
What are the uses of rifampicin?
Rifampicin is used for tuberculosis, serious staphylococcus infections, brucellosis, leprosy, and elimination of nasal carriers of meningococci.
What are the adverse effects of rifampicin?
Adverse effects include flushing, itching, rash, thrombocytopenia, hepatitis, and rises in plasma levels of bilirubin and hepatic enzymes.
What is the role of pyrazinamide in tuberculosis treatment?
Pyrazinamide has the ability to kill persisters (dormant) intracellular mycobacteria.
What are the adverse effects of pyrazinamide?
Adverse effects include hyperuricemia, joint pain, hepatitis, and urticarial rash.
What is the main adverse effect of ethambutol?
The main adverse effect is rare optic neuritis, causing loss of visual acuity, central scotoma, and red-green color blindness.
What is the mechanism of action of streptomycin?
Streptomycin acts by binding to the bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit, preventing protein synthesis.
What are the adverse effects of streptomycin?
Adverse effects include ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and neurotoxicity.
What is the duration of treatment for newly diagnosed cases of pulmonary tuberculosis?
Newly diagnosed cases of pulmonary tuberculosis should be treated for 6 months.
What is the chemoprophylaxis regimen for tuberculosis?
The chemoprophylaxis regimen includes INH twice weekly for 9 months or rifampicin daily for 4 months.
What is multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB)?
MDR-TB is resistance to at least Isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin.
What are some examples of second-line drugs for tuberculosis?
Examples include kanamycin, amikacin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, clarithromycin, ethionamide, and capreomycin.
What is the duration of treatment for multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB)?
The duration of the first phase should be at least 8 months, and more than 20 months for the second phase.
What is the significance of the red discoloration caused by rifampicin?
The red discoloration of urine, tears, and sputum is harmless and indicates that the patient is taking the drug.
What is the role of pyrazinamidase in the action of pyrazinamide?
Pyrazinamidase converts pyrazinamide to the active pyrazinoic acid, which is effective against intracellular mycobacteria.
