Concerns on the dosing of antitubercular drugs for children in RNTCP.

ABSTRACT

The Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) has initiated provision of antitubercular therapy for children with strategy of patient-wise boxes for the 4 different weight bands (6- 10 kg; 11- 17 kg; 18- 25 kg; 26- 30 kg). We evaluated the dose of individual drugs delivered by this approach to children of varying weights. The following areas of concern were identified underdosing of individual antitubercular drugs for many weights; lack of provision to modify doses when child gains weight and moves to another weight band; and, inappropriate formulations, particularly for infants. We conclude that the current dosing strategy used in RNTCP needs modification to prevent the significant risk of underdosing and undertreatment.