Which drug regimen is the most effective for treating active tuberculosis?

The most effective drug regimen for treating active tuberculosis includes a combination of Isoniazid (INH), Rifampin, and Pyrazinamide for an initial two-month phase, followed by a continuation phase with INH and Rifampin for an additional four months. This regimen is designed to maximize the effectiveness of treatment by using a multidrug approach which not only helps to rapidly decrease the bacterial load but also reduces the risk of developing drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

The initial phase with INH, Rifampin, and Pyrazinamide works synergistically, targeting the bacteria through different mechanisms, enhancing the overall efficacy of the treatment. The subsequent continuation phase with only INH and Rifampin further helps to ensure that any remaining bacteria are eradicated, thus minimizing the likelihood of relapse.

Shorter regimens and monotherapy options, such as those involving only Isoniazid or Rifampin, are generally inadequate for treating active TB as they do not provide sufficient coverage and may lead to treatment failure and resistance. This highlights the importance of combination therapy in effectively managing tuberculosis and ensuring complete cure.