SPECTRUM AND SEVERITY OF ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS DURING TREATMENT OF MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease spread from one person to another principally
by airborne transmission. The causal agent is Mycobacterium tuberculosis (the tubercle bacillus).
Tuberculosis can affect any organ in the body.
AIM: To determine the spectrum and severity of adverse drug reaction during treatment of MDR-TB
patients
METHODOLOGY: This is a Hospital based prospective study.Patients diagnosed with MDR-TB in
Respiratory Medicine Department in P.B.M. and associated group of hospital, Bikaner, Rajasthan was
form the material for our study. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied while registering the
subjects for study.The duration of study was from 1 March 2025 to 28 Feb 2026.
RESULT: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were observed in 80% of patients receiving MDR-TB
treatment, with gastrointestinal disturbances, arthralgia, and headache being the most common adverse
effects. Most ADRs were managed with symptomatic treatment, counselling, and temporary drug
interruption, while severe psychiatric reactions required permanent discontinuation of cycloserine in a
few patients. CONCLUSION: ADRs are highly prevalent during MDR-TB therapy and significantly influence
treatment adherence and clinical outcomes. Early recognition, prompt management, and regular
monitoring of ADRs are essential to ensure successful treatment completion and improve patient safety