Drug Classification: Tuberculosis

Rifampicin

Indications:

  • Treatment of Mycobacterial infections, including M. tuberculosis and M. leprae
  • Sometimes used as a conventional antibiotic, e.g. in post-exposure prophylaxis of contacts of patients with Meningococcal infection, and as part of therapy for some deep Staph. aureus (including MRSA) infections.

Mechanism of Action:

A rifamycin, a class of agents that interfere with microbial RNA production.

Lecture and CAL materials: (under review)

Isoniazid

Indications:

  • Treatment of Mycobacterial infections, in combination with other drugs
  • In some circumstances, prophylaxis against reactivation of TB

Mechanism of Action:

Isoniazid (isonicotinylhydrazide, INH) is an anti-mycobacterial drug that is particularly active against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The mechanism of action is not known, but it is thought to work through its effects on lipids (fats) and DNA within the tuberculosis bacterium. It is very selective for mycobacteria, that is, it has few if any effects on other bacteria.

Lecture and CAL materials: (under review)