Experience of using rifapentine in continuation phase of treatment of adult tuberculosis cases

The objective of the study: to estimate efficacy and safety of the drug of rifapentine in continuation phase of chemotherapy in adults suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis.Subjects and methods. 66 HIV negative pulmonary tuberculosis patients transferred to continuation phase of treatment with regimens I and III were enrolled in a prospective randomized trial. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group I included 36 of patients who were prescribed with rifapentine at the dose of 10 mg per 1 kg of body mass, 3 of times per week, and isoniazid at the dose 10 mg per 1 kg of body mass daily. Group II included 30 of patients who were prescribed with rifampicin 450-600 mg/day (taking into account the body mass) and isoniazid, 10 mg per 1 kg of body mass daily. In continuation phase of treatment, patients from both groups received 120 doses of drugs.Results. 1. In continuation phase of chemotherapy in new pulmonary tuberculosis adult cases, the regimen consisting of rifapentine + isoniazid demonstrated the efficacy compatible with the one of the regimen consisting of rifampicin + isoniazide.2. Use of rifapentine at the dose of 10 mg/kg, 3 times a week in continuation phase of treatment did not cause an increase in adverse events compared to daily in-take of rifampicin.3. The anti-tuberculosis drug of rifapentine can successfully be used in continuation phase of chemotherapy in drug susceptible tuberculosis patients.4. The prescription of rifapentine reduces the drug burden since it can be taken 3 times a week