HIV reduces anti-TB drug concentrations
October 1, 1997 less than 1 minute read
HIV reduces anti-TB drug concentrations
A study published in the Aug. 15 Annals of Internal Medicine confirms reports suggesting that HIV leads to poor absorption of anti-tuberculosis drugs, potentially causing increased risk of drug resistance and incomplete treatment.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa in Ontario evaluated the pharmokinetics of frequently used anti-TB drugs in HIV-positive patients at different stages of disease. The results were compared to drugs given to healthy patients.
The findings showed that drug levels for isoniazid, rifampin, and pyrazinamide were altered by HIV infection. The researchers found that, compared with the control group, HIV-positive patients showed reductions in total system drug exposure of 32% for rifampin and 24% for pyrazinamide.
"Reduced total drug exposure to rifampin and pyrazinamide was associated with D-xylose malabsorption in persons with HIV infection or AIDS. Peak drug exposure to isoniazid was lower in patients with diarrhea," the authors write.
You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
- Award-winning Medical Content
- Latest Advances & Development in Medicine
- Unbiased Content