Can TB be cured in 6 months?
People with TB disease need to take several medicines when they start treatment. After taking TB medicine for several weeks, a doctor will be able to tell TB patients when they are no longer able to spread TB germs to others. Most people with TB disease will need to take TB medicine for at least 6 months to be cured.
What is the first-line treatment for TB?
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). Rifabutin (RBT) and rifapentine (RPT) may also be considered first- line drugs under certain circumstances.
What is the difference between first-line and second-line TB drugs?
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).
What should TB patients avoid?
What to Avoid When You Have Active Tuberculosis
- Skip tobacco in all forms.
- Don’t drink alcohol — it can add to the risk of liver damage from some of the drugs used to treat your TB.
- Limit coffee and other caffeinated drinks.
- Limit refined products, like sugar, white breads, and white rice.
What food should a TB patient avoid?
Foods To Avoid Limit intake of refined carbs such as maida and sugar-laden foods as they offer only empty calories devoid of nutrients. Deep-fried foods and junk foods packed with saturated fats and trans-fat would worsen symptoms associated with TB such as diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, and fatigue.
What is the difference between first line and second line TB drugs?
How many stages of TB treatment are there?
The standard six month course of treatment consists of two phases. The first phase lasts two months and is called the intensive phase. The second phase lasts four months and is called the continuous phase.