[Considerations about the efficiency of treatment regimens with fixed Rifampicin-Isoniazid combinations in pulmonary tuberculosis]

Abstract

Here are presented the results of a prospective, randomized study regarding the efficiency of regimens with fixed drug combination Rifampicin-Isoniazide manufactured by Antibiotics S.A. of Iasi in comparison with single drugs routinely used in treatment of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Newly diagnosed (confirmed by smear and culture) pulmonary tuberculosis patients were selected, and those who accepted to be included in the study, were admitted to the National Institute of Pneumology "Marius Nasta" between August 2001 and September 2002. At the time of admission, they were randomized into two groups: 20 patients received fixed drug combination RMP300 HIN150, and 18 patients received RMP and HIN in single drug tablets (2 patients were excluded). The follow-up of the patients was for one year from the date of enclosure. The smear conversion rate was 83,3% for the patients using single drug tablets, and 70% for those using fixed drug combination, motivated with some more severe TB patterns. The success rate was 100% for all TB patients. Although the present study was done for few patients, we can say that it demonstrated the same efficiency of fixed drug combination produced in Romania, with the single drug tablets, and it suggests a better compliance to treatment with a lower price.