A patient is being treated with isoniazid (INH), rifampin, and pyrazinamide in phase I of treatment for tuberculosis. The organism develops resistance to isoniazid. Which drug will the nurse anticipate the provider will order to replace the isoniazid?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ethambutol would be the best choice to replace isoniazid in this scenario because it has a different mechanism of action than the other two drugs being used (rifampin and pyrazinamide) and has activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative organism of tuberculosis. Ciprofloxacin, kanamycin, and streptomycin are not typically used as first-line agents for tuberculosis treatment or as alternatives to isoniazid.

A Patient Is Being Treated with Isoniazid (INH), Rifampin, and Pyrazinamide