Toxicity of first-line drugs for treatment of tuberculosis in children: review.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the frequency and manifestations of adverse events associated with recommended first-line anti-TB drugs in children.


METHODS
Literature review.


RESULTS
Overall, children tolerate anti-TB drugs very well when using currently recommended dosages. Serious adverse events are rare and even mild symptoms such as nausea or vomiting are uncommon. There are occasional case reports of severe hepatotoxicity.


CONCLUSIONS
Surveillance and reporting of adverse events will need to be improved when recommended dosages of the main first-line anti-TB therapy for children are increased. Co-morbidities such as HIV infection and severe malnutrition may affect the incidence and complicate the management of possible adverse events to anti-TB therapy.
Frydenberg
Alexis R
AR
Department of General Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Vict., Australia. lexi.frydenberg@rch.org.au
Graham
Stephen M
SM
D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014944:World Health Organization
D000995:Antitubercular Agents