Mataracy
VIP Contributor
Chemotherapy successfully cures pulmonary tuberculosis and hospital treatment is usually only advised for the first week or so yo make sure the patient understands fully the details if the treatment and how and when to take the appropriate drugs. Hospital in- patient treatment is Aldo advised:
(i) In all patients with milliary tuberculosis or pleural effusion until recovery is complete.
(ii) In I'll, poorly nourished or elderly patients requiring rest and general care.
(iii) Patients with infected sputum, especially if they have children in the family at home.
(iv) Uncooperative patients with a bad social background perhaps living in a hostel or with a history of alcoholism.
(v) Patients who have developed side effects with the drug treatment.
CHEMOTHERAPY
Since the tubercle bacillus develops resistance to most of the anti tuberculous drugs given on their own, at least two drugs must be given together. In the initial treatment, triple therapy ( three drugs together) is prescribed. Four drugs are in common use:
(1) ISONIAZID: This drug is safe ,effective and inexpensive. It seldom give rise to toxic effects.
(2) RIFAMPICIN: This antibiotic is bactericidal for the tubercle bacili but can have toxic effects on the liver.
(3) ETHAMBUTOL: This is usually given with the other two drugs as initial treatment as a single morning dose if about 800mg each morning.
(4) Streptomycin has to be given by injection and can have toxic effects on the vestibular system, causing vertigo and deafness if given to excess.
(i) In all patients with milliary tuberculosis or pleural effusion until recovery is complete.
(ii) In I'll, poorly nourished or elderly patients requiring rest and general care.
(iii) Patients with infected sputum, especially if they have children in the family at home.
(iv) Uncooperative patients with a bad social background perhaps living in a hostel or with a history of alcoholism.
(v) Patients who have developed side effects with the drug treatment.
CHEMOTHERAPY
Since the tubercle bacillus develops resistance to most of the anti tuberculous drugs given on their own, at least two drugs must be given together. In the initial treatment, triple therapy ( three drugs together) is prescribed. Four drugs are in common use:
(1) ISONIAZID: This drug is safe ,effective and inexpensive. It seldom give rise to toxic effects.
(2) RIFAMPICIN: This antibiotic is bactericidal for the tubercle bacili but can have toxic effects on the liver.
(3) ETHAMBUTOL: This is usually given with the other two drugs as initial treatment as a single morning dose if about 800mg each morning.
(4) Streptomycin has to be given by injection and can have toxic effects on the vestibular system, causing vertigo and deafness if given to excess.
