Toxicity of first-line drugs for treatment of tuberculosis in children: Review

Abstract

Objective To determine the frequency and manifestations of adverse events associated with recommended first-line anti-TB drugs in children. Method Literature review. Results Overall, children tolerate anti-TB drugs very well when using currently recommended dosages. Serious adverse events are rare and even mild symptoms such as nausea or vomiting are uncommon. There are occasional case reports of severe hepatotoxicity. Conclusions Surveillance and reporting of adverse events will need to be improved when recommended dosages of the main first-line anti-TB therapy for children are increased. Co-morbidities such as HIV infection and severe malnutrition may affect the incidence and complicate the management of possible adverse events to anti-TB therapy. © 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.