MRCP UK EXAMINATIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -Of the approved drugs, isoniazid (INH), rifampin (RIF), ethambutol (EMB), and pyrazinamide (PZA) are considered first-line anti-TB drugs and form the core of standard treatment regimens (Figure 6.4) (Table 6.2).

Detailed explanation-2: -First-line agents for treatment of TB disease consist of isoniazid, a rifamycin (rifampin or [less frequently] either rifapentine or rifabutin), pyrazinamide, and ethambutol; in addition, moxifloxacin is a first-line agent when administered in combination with isoniazid, rifapentine, and pyrazinamide [6].

Detailed explanation-3: -The first-line therapeutic drugs are the most effective and least toxic for use in the treatment of TB, while the second-line therapeutic drugs are less effective, more expensive and have higher toxicities. They are however, essential for the treatment of drug resistant forms of the bacteria (MDR-TB).

Detailed explanation-4: -Second line drugs are the TB drugs that are used for the treatment of drug resistant TB. The second line drugs include levofloxacin, moxifloxacin and bedaquiline.