The goal of treatment is to cure the infection with antitubercular drugs. These drugs include: ethionamide, para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS), pyrazinamide, isoniazid (INH), rifampin, ethambutol, and streptomycin. Daily oral doses are continued for 1 year or longer.

For atypical tuberculosis infections, or drug-resistant strains, other drugs may be indicated to treat the infection. A minimum of three drugs are started for treatment.

Hospitalization is indicated to prevent the spread of the disease to others until the infectious period is over, usually 2 to 4 weeks after the start of therapy. Normal activity can be continued after the infectious period.

Most disseminated forms of TB respond well to treatment.

All medications used to treat TB have some toxicity. Rifampin and isoniazid may both cause a non-infectious hepatitis. Rifampin may also cause an orange or brown coloration of tears and urine, and can stain contact lenses and undergarments.

Other complications include:

• drug resistance
• relapse of the disease
• tuberculous meningitis
• respiratory failure
• adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

Call your health care provider if known or suspected exposure to TB has occurred. All forms of TB require prompt treatment.