Mode of action of few main drugs

The active ingredient in this drug is Streptomycin.

Mode of action:

Streptomycin binds to the components in the bacterial cell wall and leads to abnormal protein production. The normal protein are necessary for the survival of bacteria[1]. Therefore production of the abnormal protein is fatal for the organism.

RIMACTANE

The active ingredient in this drug is Rifampicin

Mode of action:

Rifampicin targets and inactivates a bacterial enzyme called RNA-polymerase[2].The bacteria uses RNA-polymerase to make essential proteins and to copy their own genetic information[2]. Without this enzyme the bacteria cannot reproduce and they die[2].

RIFINAH

The active ingredients in this drug is Rifampicin and Isoniazid.

Mode of action:

Rifampicin-

Rifampicin targets and inactivates a bacterial enzyme called RNA-polymerase[3]. The bacteria uses RNA-polymerase to make essential proteins and to copy their own genetic information[3]. Without this enzyme the bacteria cannot reproduce and they die[3].

Isoniazid-

The exact mechanism of action of isoniazid is unknown, but it is thought to prevent the tuberculosis bacteria from making substances called mycolic acids, which are needed to form the cell walls of the bacteria[3]. It also seems to combine with an enzyme that interferes with the cell metabolism of the bacteria. As a result of the disruption in it's metabolism and without a cell wall, the bacteria die[3].

RIFATER

The active ingredients in this drug is Rifampicin, Isoniazid and Pyrazinamide.

This drug (Rifater) is taken along with Ethambutol for the first two months during Intensive phase (see Treatment)

Mode of action:

Rifampicin-
Rifampicin targets and inactivates a bacterial enzyme called RNA-polymerase[4].The bacteria uses RNA-polymerase to make essential proteins and to copy their own genetic information[4]. Without this enzyme the bacteria cannot reproduce and they die[4].

Isoniazid-
The exact mechanism of action of isoniazid is unknown, but it is thought to prevent the tuberculosis bacteria from making substances called mycolic acids, which are needed to form the cell walls of the bacteria[4]. It also seems to combine with an enzyme that interferes with the cell metabolism of the bacteria. As a result of the disruption in it's metabolism and without a cell wall, the bacteria die[4].

Pyrazinamide-
Works in a different way to kill tuberculosis bacteria that have infected cells. The mode of action is exactly not known. But it is shown that[5] pyrazinoic acid disrupts membrane transport function and energetics of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Ethambutol-
It works by stopping the bacteria that cause this disease from growing and increasing in numbers[6].

MYCOBUTIN

The active ingredient in this drug is Rifabutin.

Mode of action:

Rifabutin-
Rifabutin targets and inactivates a bacterial enzyme called RNA-polymerase[7].The bacteria uses RNA-polymerase to make essential proteins and to copy their own genetic information[7]. Without this enzyme the bacteria cannot reproduce and they die[7].

CYCLOSERINE

Cycloserine is only used in second stage of treatment and when the bacteria are resistant to the other medicines[8].

Mode of action:

Cycloserine works by preventing the tuberculosis bacteria from making substances called peptidoglycans, which are needed to form the cell walls of the bacteria[8]. This results in the cell walls of the bacteria becoming weak, which then kills the bacteria[8].

CAPASTAT

The active ingredient in this drug is Capreomycin. Capreomycin is only used when the bacteria are resistant to the drugs that are usually prescribed to treat TB[9].

Mode of action:

Capreomycin binds to components in the bacterial cell which result in the production of abnormal proteins[9]. These proteins are necessary for the bacteria's survival[9]. Therefore the production of these abnormal proteins is ultimately fatal to the bacteria[9].

RIFADIN

The active ingredient in this drug is Rifampicin[10]

Mode of action:

Rifampicin-
Rifampicin targets and inactivates a bacterial enzyme called RNA-polymerase[10].The bacteria uses RNA-polymerase to make essential proteins and to copy their own genetic information[10]. Without this enzyme the bacteria cannot reproduce and they die[10].

[7] Mycobutin n.d., viewed 19 February 2013,
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/infections/medicines/mycobutin.html

[8] Cycloserine n.d., viewed 19 February 2013,
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/infections/medicines/cycloserine.html

[9] Capastat n.d., viewed 19 February 2013,
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/infections/medicines/capastat.html

[10] Rifadin n.d., viewed 19 February 2013,
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/infections/medicines/rifadin.html

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