The pharmacokinetics of anti-TB drugs differs between children and adults. Children tend to tolerate larger doses per kilogram of body weight and have fewer adverse reactions than adults.
WHO now recommends that ethambutol can be given to children. For a general chart for pediatric dosing first line anti-TB treatment click here.
Children may have problems absorbing the available dosage forms of anti-TB drugs since most are formulated for adults. When possible, pediatric formulations should be used.
A number of fixed-dose combination products have been approved by the UN prequalification programme and several others are available on the market. However, none of these alone are ideal for children. Consult this rapid advice document for more information on pediatric dosing and fixed-dose combinations.
