Antituberculars Flashcards
What is the causative agent of tuberculosis?
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Tubercle bacilli that are rod-shaped.
How is tuberculosis primarily transmitted?
By droplets (airborne)
N95 Respirator is recommended for protection.
What type of bacteria is Mycobacterium tuberculosis?
Slow growing aerobic bacillus
What can happen to Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the body?
May become dormant and walled off by tissue or tubercles
Who is at risk for tuberculosis?
Minority group, living in crowded and poor conditions
What tests are used for diagnosing tuberculosis?
TB skin test or QuantiFERON Blood Essay
What is the next step if a TB skin test is positive?
Chest x-ray
What indicates latent TB?
Bacteria is dormant and is not infectious
What are the characteristics of latent TB?
- Positive TB skin test
- Chest X-ray shows no active disease
- Asymptomatic
What is the treatment regimen for latent TB?
- Isoniazid (INHS) daily for 6 to 9 months
- Isoniazid (INH) and Rifampin daily for 3 months
- Rifampin daily for 4 months
- Rifapentine and Isoniazid once weekly for 12 weeks
What are the diagnostic criteria for active TB?
- TB Skin Test/Blood Assay is positive
- Chest X-ray shows TB
- Sputum is positive
What are common symptoms of active TB?
- Cough
- Coughing up blood or mucus
- Chest pain
- Pain with breathing or coughing
- Fever
- Chills
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
What are the primary antitubercular agents for active TB?
- Isoniazid (INH)
- Rifampin
- Ethambutol or streptomycin
- PZA (pyrazinamide)
What are the secondary agents for active TB treatment?
- Streptomycin
- Amikacin
- Levofloxacin
- Ofloxacin
What is Multidrug Resistant TB (MDR TB)?
A form of tuberculosis resistant to multiple antibiotics
What is the treatment strategy for MDR TB?
4 antibiotics administered at the same time
What is Direct Observed Therapy (DOT)?
A method for ensuring adherence to the drug regimen
What is the duration of drug therapy for MDR TB?
Often 6-24 months
What must be confirmed before allowing a TB patient out of isolation?
Sputum specimen has to be negative
What are the adverse effects of Isoniazid?
- Pyridoxine deficiency
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Liver toxicity
What discoloration does Rifampin cause?
Red-orange-brown discoloration of urine, tears, sweat, & sputum
True or False: Rifampin may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
True
