Tuberculosis is a disease of an infectious nature caused by mycobacteria (Koch's bacillus) with the most frequent localization of manifestations in the lungs. Treatment of pathology should be comprehensive, continuous, include several anti-TB drugs, given the sensitivity of the pathogen.
Drug groups
Each medicine for tuberculosis is part of a certain group of drugs. This distribution is based on the chemical composition, clinical activity, and patient tolerance:
- first row (Isoniazid, Rifampicin) - the most effective;
- second row (Streptomycin, Kanamycin) - average efficiency;
- third row ("Thioacetasone", "PASK") - less effective.
Highly effective drugs are used most often, combining each of them with funds from other groups. The remaining pills for tuberculosis are called reserve. They are used in cases where the pathogen is resistant to active substances of the first row.
Isoniazid
The drug "Isoniazid" is used in the treatment of adults and children. Its action is directed to the active forms of the pathogen. In relation to mycobacteria at rest, it is ineffective. The composition of the membrane of Koch's bacillus includes mycolic acid, the synthesis of which is suppressed by the drug.
"Isoniazid" is a cure for tuberculosis of all localizations and forms. The dosage is selected individually, depending on what means the specialist recommends combining the drug.
- "Isoniazid" + "Rifampicin" - the course of treatment lasts for 6 or 8 weeks. Drugs are taken once a day in the morning on an empty stomach.
- Isoniazid + Thioacetazone
- "Isoniazid" + "Rifampicin" + "Pyrazinamide" - in a similar combination, the drug is called "Rifater." Apply for 2 months daily, enhancing the effectiveness of treatment with "Streptomycin" or "Ethambutol."
- "Isoniazid" + "Ethambutol" - a cure for tuberculosis as a maintenance therapy.
Rifampicin
Features of the drug "Rifampicin": instructions for use (the price of the drug is about 200 rubles) suggests that the substance effectively fights mycobacteria in the affected area, reaching maximum concentration there. The causative agents of tuberculosis tend to get used to it quickly, which is why drug intake is limited. It is not used for breastfeeding, as it has the ability to penetrate into breast milk in large quantities.
"Rifampicin", instructions for use, the price of which is indicated on specialized pharmaceutical sites, has side effects manifested by the following conditions:
- cephalgia (headache);
- renal failure of a reversible nature (kidney function is restored after completion of the drug);
- allergic reactions;
- dyspeptic manifestations - vomiting, diarrhea, bloating;
- visual impairment;
- changes in laboratory parameters of peripheral blood.
Paraaminosalicylic acid
"PASK" is a medicine for tuberculosis based on aminosalicylic acid. Available in the form of tablets, solution, granules. The daily dose is divided into 3 doses, taken with milk, mineral water, a weak soda solution. In some cases, the doctor prescribes a daily dose in one step.
The drug in its own form is not prescribed, only in combination with other anti-TB drugs. It acts only on pathogens that are in an active state. The resistance of mycobacteria to the active substance practically does not develop.
Pyrazinamide
Tablets for tuberculosis related to second-line synthetic drugs. It is used in the combined treatment of tuberculosis of any localization. The use of "Pyrazinamide" during pregnancy and lactation is possible provided that mycobacteria are resistant to other more effective drugs.
Once a month, the level of transamiasis and the presence of uric acid in the blood should be monitored with prolonged treatment with the drug. Contraindications for use are:
- individual hypersensitivity to the active substance;
- severe renal impairment;
- organic pathology of the liver.
Fluoroquinolones
A group of drugs is used as an etiotropic therapy. Means have a bactericidal effect, affecting mycobacteria both at rest and during activity.
Ciprofloxacin is recommended in combination with other anti-TB drugs. The maximum concentration in the body is reached within a few hours from the time of administration. May cause dyspeptic disorders, cephalgia, anxiety, allergic manifestations, decreased visual acuity.
Ofloxacin is a cure for tuberculosis that affects the location of DNA in the pathogen cell. Available in tablets and infusion solution. The daily dose is taken in two divided doses at 12-hour intervals. This allows you to constantly maintain the necessary concentration of Ofloxacin in the body.
"Lomefloxacin" is an effective drug with almost 100% bioavailability. The tool "intervenes" in the DNA pathogen, its location in the cell. Contraindicated during pregnancy, lactation, children under 18 years of age.
New drugs
Innovations in the field of TB are associated with the development of highly effective anti-TB drugs, the sensitivity of pathogens to which would not decrease over a long period of time.
New drugs for tuberculosis:
- "Perchlozone" - the substance has low toxicity to the human body, however, high activity against mycobacteria. Contraindications include pregnancy, lactation, childhood, individual hypersensitivity, pathology of the kidneys and liver.
- "Mikobutin" is a derivative of the rifabutin antibacterial agent used to treat chronic forms of the disease in patients resistant to Rifampicin. It is used not only as a therapy, but also for the prevention of the disease.
- Bedaquiline (Sirturo) is an innovative drug that suppresses the production of vital enzymes by the mycobacterium tuberculosis. Effective after 3 months of treatment (for comparison: other drugs show results after 1.5-2 years), giving negative test results.
Side effects of therapy
The occurrence of side effects is due to the fact that the drugs used significantly affect the metabolic processes that occur in the patient’s body, and also cause the development of hypo- or vitamin deficiencies, and disturbances in redox processes.
The most common side effects:
- hearing loss;
- peripheral polyneuritis;
- violation of the functions of the main organs and systems;
- allergic reactions;
- dysbiosis;
- candidiasis;
- dyspeptic symptoms.
A specific manifestation is the Yarish-Herksheimer reaction - the patient’s response to the massive destruction of mycobacteria in the first few days from the start of therapy.
Folk remedies for tuberculosis
With long-term treatment, patients are ready to try any means, if only they would accelerate the healing process. A number of recipes are known that enhance the effectiveness of drug therapy.
A tablespoon of birch buds pour 2 cups of diluted alcohol or vodka. Insist until the solution acquires a cognac color. Take a tablespoon 3 times a day throughout the course of treatment.
Rinse leaves, rinse, drain and chop so that 3 tablespoons come out. Pour 2 cups of water, boil for 5-7 minutes. Insist and strain. Drink 1/2 cup of liquid before each meal.
Badger fat, honey and walnuts are folk remedies for tuberculosis, the effectiveness of which depends on the correct combination. Nuts are crushed, and fat is overheated. All ingredients are mixed in equal proportions. The mixture is placed in the mouth and held until it melts.
Zhivitsa pine or spruce is poured with alcohol 2-2.5 cm higher and closed with a lid. After a few days, the solution will become homogeneous. Melted pork fat and linden honey in the same amount are added to it. Take a teaspoon three times a day for six months.
It must be remembered that the use of any means and preparations should occur under the supervision of a qualified specialist.