Concerns on the Dosing of Antitubercular Drugs for Children in eRNTCP

The Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) has, initiated provision of antitubercular therapy for children with strategy of patient-wise boxes for the 4 different weight hands (6- 10 kg, 11- 17 kg; 18- 25 kg, 26- 30 kg). We evaluated the dose of individual drugs delivered by this approach to children of varying weights. The following areas of concern were identified: underdosing of individual antitubercular drugs for many weights; lack of provision to modify doses when child gains weight and moves to another weight band; and, inappropriate formulations, particularly for infants. Me conclude that the current dosing strategy used in RNTCP needs modification to prevent the significant risk of underdosing and undertreatment.