The treatment of tuberculosis is in two phases.
The initial phase lasts 8 weeks and uses 3, or 4 if resistance is thought to be a problem, antibacterial agents concomitantly. Treatment of choice is:
The continuation phase. After the initial phase treatment is continued with isoniazid and rifampicin for 4 months. Ethambutol can be used with either isoniazid or rifampicin but requires a longer course.
Rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol and pyrazinamide are safe to use during pregnancy; however, streptomycin should be avoided. Note also that rifampicin reduces the effectiveness of the combined oral contraceptive pill; it also halves the pharmacological effect of concurrent progesterone.
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