Management of Adverse Effects of Antituberculosis Drugs

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease with increasing morbidity and mortality particularly because of HIV infection. Drug therapy which is central in the management of TB may be associated with adverse effects. These may be classified as minor or major. The adverse effects may not affect drug therapy and reassurance or symptomatic treatment may suffice. In some cases anti-TB drugs may be changed, temporarily stopped or discontinued if it is major and life threatening. This paper examines some of challenges associated with the management of side effects of anti-TB drugs.

Keywords: Anti-TB drugs, Adverse Effects, Management.

Journal of College of Medicine Vol. 13 (2) 2008: pp. 116-122