Tuberculosis Drugs

Question 1

What is the mechanism of action of rifampicin?

Answer 1

Inhibits bacterial DNA dependent RNA polymerase

Question 2

What are some side effects of rifampicin?

Answer 2

1. Hepatitis
2. Orange secretions (sweat etc.)
3. Flu-like symptoms
4. Liver enzyme enducer

Question 3

What is the mechanism of action of isoniazid?

Answer 3

It inhibits mycoclic acid synthesis

Question 4

What are some side effects of isoniazid?

Answer 4

1. Peripheral neuropathy
2. Hepatitis
3. Agranulocytosis
4. Liver enzyme inhibitor

Question 5

What is the mechanism of action of pyrazinamide?

Answer 5

It is converted by pyrazinamidase into pyrazinoic acid which in turn inhibits fatty acid synthase (FAS) 1

Question 6

What are some side effects of pyrazinamide?

Answer 6

• Hyperuricaemia causing gout
• Arthralgia, myalgia
• Hepatitis

Question 7

What are some side effects of ethambutol?

Answer 7

• Optic neuritis.
• Dose needs adjusting in renal impairment.

Question 8

How does ethambutol work?

Answer 8

It inhibits the enzyme arabinosyl transferase which polymerizes arabinose into arabinan