Higher rifampicin may be more effective in fighting tuberculosis



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In fact, a higher dose of rifampicin, an antibiotic to treat several types of bacterial infections, can kill more TB bacteria in sputum cultures without increasing the undesirable effects of treatment. A study, conducted by the American Thoracic Society, said the results were particularly encouraging because they suggest that a sufficiently high dose of rifampicin daily can reduce the period of treatment.

"Six months of treatment with four drugs – often delivered with support and supervision – represents a substantial burden on the health care system, as well as on the patient." Patients who can not complete the full plan may not to be cured, which allows for the continued transmission and development of drug-resistant TB, "said Dr. Gustavo E. Velasquez, co-author of the study.

Optimizing the dosage of rifampicin a priority because it had the most potent sterilizing effect of the four front-line agents and was available worldwide.

The trial participants revealed that each increase of 5 mg / kg per day of rifampicin increased the rate of tuberculosis elimination. bacteria from sputum. The study also examined rifampicin concentrations in the plasma and found that the elimination rates of TB bacteria were significantly related to higher rifampicin concentrations.

The increased efficacy of higher doses did not appear to result in grade 2 or higher adverse events.

The results are published in the Journal of American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. (ANI)

This is published unedited by the ANI feed.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Posted: 1 July 2018 6:14 pm


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