• Eric J Forget and Dick Menzies.
• Respiratory Epidemiology Unit, Montreal Chest Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, H2X 2P4, Canada.
• Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2006 Mar 1;5(2):231-49.

IntroductionTuberculosis continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Currently available drugs are effective for treatment of the disease or latent infection, but may cause serious adverse effects.MethodsThe authors reviewed the literature for side effects of five first-line antituberculous medications (isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, ethambutol and streptomycin). Incidence of the major side effects were compiled with particular attention to the incidence of isoniazid hepatotoxicity.ResultsHepatotoxicity to isoniazid is a serious problem. Although overall incidence may be decreasing, incidence averaged 9.2 per 1000 patients who were compliant, in multiple studies, with a case fatality rate of 4.7%. The incidence is higher with increasing age. Other serious adverse effects include dermatological, gastrointestinal, hypersensitivity, neurological, haematological and renal reactions. They can lead to drug discontinuation (in up to 10% of patients) or even more serious morbidity or mortality.ConclusionsSide effects to antituberculosis drugs are common, and include hepatitis, cutaneous reactions, gastrointestinal intolerance, haematological reactions and renal failure. These adverse effects must be recognised early, to reduce associated morbidity and mortality.

18 keywords...

hide…