Efficacy and tolerability of ethionamideversusprothionamide: a systematic review

To treat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), the World Health Organization recommends to include, during the intensive phase of treatment, at least a parenteral agent, a later-generation fluoroquinolone, ethionamide (Eth) (or prothionamide (Pth)), cycloserine (Cs) or p -aminosalicylic acid (PAS) if Cs cannot be used, and pyrazinamide (Pzd) (which is not considered among the aforementioned four probably effective drugs) [1, 2]. In particular, among the four drugs likely to be effective, at least two essential or "core" drugs (one with a good bactericidal and one with a good sterilising activity) and two other "companion" drugs should be administered [3, 4]. Prothionamide is slightly better than ethionamide in treating MDR-TB patients The authors alone are responsible for the views expressed in this publication and they do not necessarily represent the decisions and policies of their institutions.