Rifampin vs. Isoniazid for Latent TB: Adverse Events and Adherence

Serious adverse events occurred less frequently and adherence was better with 4 months of rifampin than with 9 months of isoniazid.

A 9-month isoniazid regimen is effective in preventing progression of latent TB infection to active TB disease. However, adherence to this regimen is often poor; treatment is lengthy and arduous; and serious adverse effects, including drug-induced hepatitis, can occur. Might rates of treatment completion and of serious adverse events be better with 4 months of rifampin? To find out, investigators conducted a multicenter, randomized, open-label trial involving 840 patients with latent TB infection in Canada, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia.

The treatment-completion rate was significantly higher for the patients assigned to 4 months of rifampin than for those assigned to 9 months of isoniazid (78% vs. 60%). Seven of 418 patients who started rifampin …

Reviewing Author

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter

Rifampin vs. Isoniazid for Latent TB: Adverse Events and Adherence

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Reviewing Author