Tuberculosis and pharmacological interactions: A narrative review

Abstract

Even if major improvements in therapeutic regimens and treatment outcomes have been progressively achieved, tuberculosis (TB) remains the leading cause of death from a single infectious microorganism. To improve TB treatment success as well as patients' quality of life, drug-drug-interactions (DDIs) need to be wisely managed. Comprehensive knowledge of anti-TB drugs, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) parameters, potential patients’ changes in absorption and distribution, possible side effects and interactions, is mandatory to built effective anti-TB regimens. Optimization of treatments and adherence to international guidelines can help bend the curve of TB-related mortality and, ultimately, decrease the likelihood of treatment failure and drop-out during anti-TB treatment. Aim of this paper is to describe the most relevant DDIs between anti-TB and other drugs used in daily clinical practice, providing an updated and “easy-to-use” guide to minimize adverse effects, drop-outs and, in the long run, increase treatment success.

Keywords

• Tuberculosis
• Drug-drug interactions
• Clinical use
• TB treatment