Chemotherapy of tuberculosis

Abstract

A review of present knowledge on the treatment of Tuberculosis reveals as to how basic concepts on combination of drugs, prolonged treatment and continuity have evolved. It discloses the tendency towards adoption of new therapeutical schemes and the advantages of intermittent treatment, time reducing and the new concept denomination by which the word "continuity" doesn't necessarily mean "daily" but "with regularity" when medicines are given at regular intervals throughout the intermittent period. The basic principles of chemotherapy, the drugs at present being used as well as their efficacy, toxicity, doses and manner of administration are analysed. The criteria for choice of the best therapeutical scheme, continuity of treatment and main reasons for therapeutical failure are also reviewed.