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In general, regimens for MDR-TB should consist of:
  • All drugs in group 1 to which the strain of MDR-TB can be expected to be susceptible including pyrazinamide
  • An injectable agent from group 2
  • A fluoroquinolone if the strain is thought to be susceptible
  • Drugs from group 4 to complete a regimen based on efficacy and cost.
Recently, two new drugs have been developed and recommended for people with MDR-TB under specific circumstances. Use the links for more information on Bedaquiline and Delamanid. Group 5 drugs are not generally used unless the drugs from the other four groups cannot be used to constitute a regimen with at least 4 effective drugs in addition to pyrazinamide.

This table provides more information on each of the different categories of drugs used to treat drug-resistant TB.

Remember to screen contacts of MDR-TB patients for signs and symptoms of TB and start them on second line therapy if necessary.

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