Managing the adverse events of antitubercular agents

Tuberculosis, an infectious disease which is curable by following a course of antibiotics, remains a major public health issue on a global scale. A therapeutic strategy has been standardised which calls for the use of four antibiotics. These are generally well-tolerated but, individually and in combination, frequently have undesirable effects. Isoniazid may cause hepatic toxicity and an also be an asue of peripheral neuropathy. Rifampin is a strong hepatic enzyme inducer and can be responsible for severe immunoallergic reactions in the case of interrupted treatment. Pyrazinamide sometimes results in severe hepatotoxicity. Ethambutol can be responsible for severe ocular toxicity. Both older antituberculous medications and new generation antibiotic medications used for the treatment of resistant bacilli can also be the source of adverse events. The treatment of tuberculosis is standardised but the decision to treat it is inseparable from the evaluation of possible side effects which require assessment prior to the initiation of therapy and close monitoring during treatment which includes ensuring that patients are aware of and vigilant for potential problems. This work describes the adverse events of different antibiotic medications so that, on an individual basis they can be anticipated and appropriately managed. (C) 2011 SPLF. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.