Tuberculosis & Malaria Flashcards
What is the initial phase treatment duration for tuberculosis?
TWO MONTHS
Initial phase treatment includes Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, and Ethambutol (RIPE).
What is the continuation phase duration for tuberculosis treatment?
FOUR MONTHS
The continuation phase includes Rifampicin and Isoniazid.
What is the treatment for latent tuberculosis?
3 months of Rifampicin + Isoniazid OR 6 months of Isoniazid
This is the recommended approach for treating latent tuberculosis.
What should patients aged 35-65 years with latent TB be cleared of?
Hepatotoxicity
It is important to assess liver function in this patient group before initiating treatment.
What is a notable side effect of Rifampicin?
Discolours soft contact lenses and bodily fluids orangey-red
Rifampicin also acts as an enzyme inducer affecting CYP450 interactions.
What prophylactic treatment should be given with Isoniazid?
Pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)
This is to prevent peripheral neuropathy associated with Isoniazid.
What is a significant side effect of Pyrazinamide?
Hepatotoxicity
It is important to monitor liver function during treatment with Pyrazinamide.
What visual impairment is associated with Ethambutol?
Visual impairment and ocular toxicity
Patients should be monitored for changes in vision during treatment.
What is a recommended method for bite protection against malaria?
Mosquito nets impregnated with permethrin
This is an effective measure to prevent mosquito bites.
What is the recommended concentration of DEET for bite protection?
20-50%
DEET is suitable for anyone over 2 months old and should be applied correctly.
True or False: DEET should be applied before sunscreen.
False
DEET should be applied after sunscreen to maintain SPF effectiveness.
What should travelers do if they develop a fever (38C+) after returning from a malarious area?
Seek medical attention
Illness occurring within 1 year especially 3 months return, might still be malaria – see doctor early, mentioning malaria.
What patient group is at high risk of severe malaria?
People without a spleen
(asplenia)
This group requires special precautions when traveling to malarious regions.
Which antimalrial can be given to pregnant women?
pregnant women should avoid travelling to malarious regions however chloroquine can be given
they should also be taking folic acid 5mg due to neural tube defect risk
Which antimalarial medications should be avoided in patients with a history of seizures?
- Chloroquine
- Mefloquine
Both medications can reduce seizure threshold.
What is the protocol for patients on warfarin before starting antimalarial treatment?
Begin treatment 2-3 weeks before departure and ensure INR is stable
- Measure INR before anti-malarial, 7 days after starting and after completing course
- Prolonged stays – INR checked regularly
What should travelers carry if visiting remote areas?
Standby emergency treatment
This is essential if medical help is over 24 hours away.
What precaution should be taken when using Doxycycline?
Avoid exposure to sunlight
This medication can increase sensitivity to sunlight.
