What is the first line treatment for Active Tuberculosis (Continuation Phase)?

The first-line treatment for the continuation phase of active tuberculosis primarily involves the use of isoniazid and rifampin for a total duration of four months. This regimen is designed to effectively eliminate the remaining viable bacteria and prevent the development of drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Isoniazid and rifampin are both critical components of the tuberculosis treatment protocol due to their efficacy in targeting the bacteria responsible for the infection. The continuation phase typically follows an intensive phase where additional medications may be included, such as pyrazinamide and ethambutol. However, in the continuation phase, the focus shifts predominantly to the use of isoniazid and rifampin, as they are shown to be sufficient to achieve the desired outcome of treatment—complete sterilization of the infected tissues.

Choosing this regimen not only follows established guidelines but also optimizes treatment compliance and minimizes potential toxicity compared to regimens with more drugs. Therefore, the selection of isoniazid and rifampin for the continuation phase effectively supports patient recovery while maintaining a straightforward treatment approach.