Why are two or more antitubercular drugs given at the same t

Why are two or more antitubercular drugs given at the same time? Why is long-term therapy necessary? What toxic reactions need to be monitored during the prolonged time of drug administration?

Solution

tuberculosis is chronic granulomatous diasease and is major health problem in developing countries. it is cuased by mycobacteria tuberculosis. in the tuberculous treatment usually multidrug regimen usually given ..because use of any single drug in tuberculosis results in the emergence of multidrug resistant organisms(caused by mutations) and relapse in almost 3/4th patients. so combinatio of drugs must be given.

long term of course of therapy is used to eliminate dividing bacilli and prevent relapse by killing persisting bacteria. also maintians continous drug for keeping bacteria to susceptible to drug.

hepatotoxicity is one of the most common toxicity for antituberculous drug therapy. so during course of liver function test must be advised to moniter the liver if liver function tests shows any abnorml values take appropriate action.

dermatological reactions(skin rashes, hypersensitivity reaction, skin flu like reactions)-these can be managed by giving anti histamines, steriods.

gastrointestinal reactions( diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting- these can be managed by giving appropriate medications.

peripheral nerve conduction tests done to moniter nerve function ( peripheral neuritis caused by isoniazid) if any abnormality detected then pyridoxine is to be given prophylactically