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Suggest Remedies For Itching While On Treatment For Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Question: My Father , aged 71 years is a diabetic insulin dependent. He recently contracted pulmonary tuberculosis and has been on treatment for the past 40 days.he is also having hypothyroidism(10.5). his drugs currently are INH 300 (morning), PZA 750 (mor & night), mycobutol 800 (mor), Blong(mor), tazloc 40 mg(mor), cardivas cr 20 mg(mor) and thyronorm 75 mcg (mor). Novomix 30 insulin morning 40 units and night 30 units. his sugar levels range from around 200 (fbs) and about 300-400 (p.p and at night before food). During early morning it decreases.he is following a strict diet regimen. Of late , also having unbearable leg pain and itching sensation during evening and night. Are these bcoz of t.b ? What to do to control blood sugar ? For how many days t.b treatment will continue ?
Brief Answer:
The itching may not be because of TB drugs. TB.treatment duration varies.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,
I Do not know why a very important anti-tubercular drug called Rifampicin has not been included in his TB treatment. It is an essential component of any TB treatment regimen unless there's a specific reason for not giving it.
Treatment for TB is minimum for 6 months and may have to be increased depending on patient's response. It should be given under regular supervision of a Pulmonologist.
His blood sugar control is inadequate. Either the dose of insulin has to be adjusted or some more anti diabetic medicines have to be added . For this, you must consult his physician or his endocrinologist.
The itching in the legs does not appear to be because of TB drugs. There can be other reasons for it though TB drugs are known to have skin reactions. Please consult a a dermatologist for the same .
Hope this answers your query. Feel free to ask further in case of any doubts.
Take care.
The itching may not be because of TB drugs. TB.treatment duration varies.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,
I Do not know why a very important anti-tubercular drug called Rifampicin has not been included in his TB treatment. It is an essential component of any TB treatment regimen unless there's a specific reason for not giving it.
Treatment for TB is minimum for 6 months and may have to be increased depending on patient's response. It should be given under regular supervision of a Pulmonologist.
His blood sugar control is inadequate. Either the dose of insulin has to be adjusted or some more anti diabetic medicines have to be added . For this, you must consult his physician or his endocrinologist.
The itching in the legs does not appear to be because of TB drugs. There can be other reasons for it though TB drugs are known to have skin reactions. Please consult a a dermatologist for the same .
Hope this answers your query. Feel free to ask further in case of any doubts.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Mam, Rifampicin was also given but after one week he developed uncontrolled vomitting sensation and may be due to that it was stopped. Is there any problem bcoz of not giving rifampicin ? Due to high sugar levels will it take long time to cure t.b ?
Brief Answer:
Yes high sugar levels can adversely affect tb treatment.
Detailed Answer:
Rifampicin is the most important drug along with INH in the treatment of tb. If not used, there may be delayed or poor response to treatment. But since he is not tolerating it, nothing can be done about it. Your doctor may try to reintroduce it along with some anti vomiting drugs. Yes if sugar is not controlled well tb treatment may be adversely affected. There are high chances of treatment failure and development of drug resistant tb.
Wishing you the best.
Yes high sugar levels can adversely affect tb treatment.
Detailed Answer:
Rifampicin is the most important drug along with INH in the treatment of tb. If not used, there may be delayed or poor response to treatment. But since he is not tolerating it, nothing can be done about it. Your doctor may try to reintroduce it along with some anti vomiting drugs. Yes if sugar is not controlled well tb treatment may be adversely affected. There are high chances of treatment failure and development of drug resistant tb.
Wishing you the best.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
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