Abstract
Drug-susceptible tuberculosis (DS-TB) requires treatment with first-line drugs (FLDs)
whereas drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) are treated with combination of second-line drugs
(SLDs) and fewer FLDs. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to these drugs are quite evident
as they are being used for longer duration. The overall prevalence of ADRs with FLDs
and SLDs are estimated to vary from 8.0 to 85 and 69 to 96%, respectively. Most ADRs
are observed in the intensive phase as compared to continuation phase. Major concerns
exist regarding treatment of DR-TB patients, especially with SLDs having lower efficacy
more toxicity and high cost as compared to FLDs. A variety of ADRs may be produced
by anti-TB drugs ranging from mild or minor to severe or major like gastrointestinal
toxicity (nausea/vomiting, diarrhoea, and hepatotoxicity), ototoxicity, neurotoxicity
(peripheral neuropathy and seizures), nephrotoxicity, cutaneous toxicity, and cardiotoxicity.
Most of ADRs are minor and can be managed without discontinuation of treatment. Few
ADRs’ can be major causing life-threatening experience leading to either modification
or discontinuation of regimen and even mortality. A careful monitoring of ADRs during
the treatment with anti-TB drugs and early recognition and appropriate management
of these ADRs might improve adherence leading to favorable outcome.
Keywords
tuberculosis - adverse drug reactions - drug-resistant TB - drug-sensitive TB - first-line
drugs - second-line drugs - anti-TB drugs