Treating Tuberculosis in ChildrenCurrent as of: November 18, 2017 |
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Treating Tuberculosis in ChildrenTopic OverviewTreatment of active tuberculosis (TB) in children is usually different from treatment of TB in adults. In children younger than 4 years, TB is more likely to spread beyond the lungs ( extrapulmonary TB ). It is also harder to get from children a sputum sample that grows TB bacteria. footnote 1 So the doctor may assume that a child is infected with the same type of TB bacteria as the person who most likely infected him or her. In general, TB treatment in children usually begins with 3 medicines instead of 4 because:
Children with TB usually take isoniazid, rifampin, and pyrazinamide for 2 months. Treatment then continues for at least 4 more months with isoniazid and rifampin. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) also may be recommended during TB treatment if the child is not eating a good diet or isn't getting enough nutrients. Directly observed therapy (DOT) is usually done to make sure that the child takes all of the medicine. Additional medicines taken for a longer time may be needed for children:
A child taking ethambutol to treat a TB infection should have his or her vision checked every month. Related InformationReferences
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ByHealthwise Staff Current as ofNovember 18, 2017
Current as of: November 18, 2017 American Thoracic Society, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Infectious Diseases Society of America (2003). Treatment of tuberculosis. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 167(4): 603-662.
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