Hepatotoxicity to different antituberculosis drug combinations

ABSTRACT

Hepatotoxicity to different combinations of anti-tuberculosis drugs containing, Rifampicin [R], Streptomycin [S], Isoniazid [H], Pyrazinamide [Z] and Myambutol [E] is described in 47 patients who completed 6 to 9 months therapy. Seven cases [15%] showed signs of toxicity and in 4 patients [8.5%] the drugs had to be withdrawn. Two patients developed hepatitis, one with jaundice and the other with fever and deranged liver functions, while others 2 developed severe hypersensitivity reactions. Burning palms, difficulty in micturition, itching and giddiness were complained of by one patient each, which settled in due course without recourse to withdrawal of drugs