What drugs are used in the treatment of tuberculosis?

Drugs used in the treatment of tuberculosis can be classified into first-line essential, first-line supplemental, and second-line antituberculous drugs. First-line essential chemotherapeutic agents include isoniazid, rifampin, and rifabutin. First-line supplemental chemotherapeutic agents include pyrazinamide and ethambutol. Second-line drugs include cycloserine, ethionamide, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, gatifloxacin, p-aminosalicylic acid, streptomycin, amikacin/kanamycin, and capreomycin. Isoniazid is the cornerstone of therapy, and rifampin is the second major antituberculous drug. Currently, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) endorses a number of 6-month and 9-month protocols. The 6-month regimens include an intensive 2-month therapy with three to four agents followed by a 4-month therapy with isoniazid plus rifampin or rifapentine.