Paper II
2025 March (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)

Question

Classify the drugs used in Chemotherapy of Tuberculosis. Write the mechanism of action, therapeutic uses and adverse effects of Rifampicin (3+3)

Q16 marksEssays

Answer

Classification of antitubercular drugs

LineDrugs
First-lineIsoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol, Streptomycin
Second-lineFluoroquinolones (Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin), Aminoglycosides (Kanamycin, Amikacin), Ethionamide, Cycloserine, Para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS), Bedaquiline, Linezolid

Rifampicin — mechanism, uses, adverse effects

  • Mechanism: rifampicininhibits bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase → blocks mRNA synthesis → bactericidal against both actively dividing and semi-dormant organisms (broader-population activity than isoniazid).
  • Uses: tuberculosis (both intensive and continuation phase), leprosy (combination therapy), chemoprophylaxis for close contacts of meningococcal meningitis.
  • Adverse effects: hepatotoxicity (additive with isoniazid), harmless orange-red discoloration of body fluids (urine, tears, sweat — important to pre-counsel patients about), and potent, broad-spectrum hepatic CYP450 induction — accelerating metabolism of oral contraceptives (contraceptive-failure risk), warfarin, and numerous other co-administered drugs.

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