Final answer:
The four primary anti-TB drugs are Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide, and Ethambutol, which work synergistically to treat tuberculosis, including resistant strains, by targeting mycobacterial structures and functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 4 first-line anti-TB drugs used in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) are Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide, and Ethambutol. These medications are essential in combating TB, including multidrug-resistant (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR-TB) strains. The combination of these drugs helps to prevent the development of resistance and ensures the effective eradication of the disease.
Isoniazid is a crucial antimetabolite that targets mycobacterial cell walls by inhibiting the synthesis of mycolic acid, which is vital for their structure. Rifampicin works by inhibiting bacterial RNA transcription, hindering the microorganisms from synthesizing proteins essential for their survival. Pyrazinamide is effective during the initial phase of treatment as it targets mycobacteria residing in acidic environments of the host. Lastly, Ethambutol acts on bacterial cell wall biosynthesis, thereby disrupting their growth.
Treating TB effectively is a lengthy process that often requires adherence to a strict medication regimen over the course of six months to a year to ensure the complete elimination of the infection and minimize the risk of developing resistance.