Rifampicin plus Isoniazid, Rifampicin plus PAS, and Isoniazid plus PAS in the Initial Treatment of Pulmonary Tuberculosis

A controlled clinical trial was carried out in which three drug regimens, rifampicin plus isoniazid, rifampicin plus PAS, and isoniazid plus PAS, administered for 6 months, were compared in patients with newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis. The drugs were given in the following doses: rifampicin, 450 mg up to 60 kg and 600 mg over 60 kg body weight in one dose; isoniazid, 5 mg/kg in one dose; PAS, 10 g up to 60 kg and 12 g over 60 kg body weight, divided in two doses. Bacteriological results showed that all the treatment regimens had a similar efficacy. In the groups of patients who were administered rifampicin, faster disappearance of tubercle bacilli from sputum was observed. The roentgenographic changes were comparable in all groups. According to the results obtained, rifampicin is a drug whose effectiveness and tolerability are comparable with those of isoniazid.