Use of Medication:
Isoniazid is used to treat Tuberculosis, a highly contagious infection
Mechanism of Action:
Isoniazid acts by inhibiting the synthesis of mycolic acid, an essential cell wall component of mycobacteria. It is bacteriocidal (bacteria killing) for actively growing organisms, but bacteriostatic for dormant mycobacteria. (Flashcards)
Treatment of Tuberculosis:
Isoniazid is a drug of choice for the treatment of Tuberculosis because it acts by inhibiting the synthesis of mycolic acid, an essential cell wall component of mycobacteria. Isoniazid is bacteriocidal (bacteria killing) for actively growing mycobacteria, however it is bacteriostatic (slowing growth of bacteria) for dormant mycobacteria. Mycobacteria is resistant to the penetration of anti-infective drugs. In order for medications to reach the tubercles (a nodular lesion in the lungs are other tissues) medication needs to be given for 6-12 months. The patient may not be exhibiting signs or symptoms the whole treatment period, it is crucial to continue therapy. In some cases patients develop multi-drug resistant infections, and the treatment can last up to 24 months. Treatment for Tuberculosis typically requires at least two medications, and sometimes up to four can be administered. It is very common for different drugs to be used during the 6-12 months because the bacteria grow so slowly, and develop resistance. The purpose of multi-drug treatment is to lower the chance that the mycobacteria develop resistance, as well as to help increase therapeutic success.
Example of treatment:
Initial Phase- 2 months of therapy with isoniazid (INH), Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), and pyrazinamide (PZA), and ethambutol (Myambutol). If laboratory test results show that the strain is sensitive to the first three drugs, ethambutol is dropped from the regimen.
Continuation Phase:
4 months of therapy with isoniazid and rifampin, 2-3 times per week.
Categories of Anti-tubercular drugs:
First line drugs are typically safer, and more effective. Second line medications are more toxic and less effective, but are used when resistance has developed.
Isoniazid is used to treat Tuberculosis, a highly contagious infection
Mechanism of Action:
Isoniazid acts by inhibiting the synthesis of mycolic acid, an essential cell wall component of mycobacteria. It is bacteriocidal (bacteria killing) for actively growing organisms, but bacteriostatic for dormant mycobacteria. (Flashcards)
Treatment of Tuberculosis:
Isoniazid is a drug of choice for the treatment of Tuberculosis because it acts by inhibiting the synthesis of mycolic acid, an essential cell wall component of mycobacteria. Isoniazid is bacteriocidal (bacteria killing) for actively growing mycobacteria, however it is bacteriostatic (slowing growth of bacteria) for dormant mycobacteria. Mycobacteria is resistant to the penetration of anti-infective drugs. In order for medications to reach the tubercles (a nodular lesion in the lungs are other tissues) medication needs to be given for 6-12 months. The patient may not be exhibiting signs or symptoms the whole treatment period, it is crucial to continue therapy. In some cases patients develop multi-drug resistant infections, and the treatment can last up to 24 months. Treatment for Tuberculosis typically requires at least two medications, and sometimes up to four can be administered. It is very common for different drugs to be used during the 6-12 months because the bacteria grow so slowly, and develop resistance. The purpose of multi-drug treatment is to lower the chance that the mycobacteria develop resistance, as well as to help increase therapeutic success.
Example of treatment:
Initial Phase- 2 months of therapy with isoniazid (INH), Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), and pyrazinamide (PZA), and ethambutol (Myambutol). If laboratory test results show that the strain is sensitive to the first three drugs, ethambutol is dropped from the regimen.
Continuation Phase:
4 months of therapy with isoniazid and rifampin, 2-3 times per week.
Categories of Anti-tubercular drugs:
First line drugs are typically safer, and more effective. Second line medications are more toxic and less effective, but are used when resistance has developed.