Final answer:
To increase the effects of medication for a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis, Benemid (probenecid) would be the appropriate choice because it can increase blood levels and enhance the effects of certain drugs used in the treatment, unlike the other listed medications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Combination Therapy for Pulmonary Tuberculosis
To increase the effects of medication in a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis receiving combination therapy, Benemid (probenecid) may be given. This is because probenecid can interfere with the renal excretion of certain drugs, thereby increasing their levels in the blood and enhancing their effects. Unlike probenecid, Inderal (propranolol), Dilantin (phenytoin), and Neoral (cyclosporine) do not have this same enhancing effect on tuberculosis medications.
Why Probenecid Enhances TB Medication Effects
Probenecid works by blocking the renal tubular secretion of drugs like antibiotics, resulting in higher plasma concentrations and prolonged effects of the drugs. In the context of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), probenecid could potentially be used to enhance the effectiveness of first-line antibiotics such as isoniazid and rifampin, which are crucial for treating this bacterial infection.
It is important to note that any decision to prescribe additional medications such as probenecid should be made by a healthcare professional, based on a patient's specific medical condition and history, to ensure the safety and efficacy of treatment.