Tuberculosis is usually treated through the use of a combination of several drugs called antibiotics to kill all the bacteria and preventing them from becoming resistant to one or more drugs. The most common drugs used to fight TB are:
- isoniazid
- rifampin
- pyrazinamide
- ethambutol
- streptomycin
The medication is administered to the patient for at least 6 months as per the advice of the doctor. People with TB of the lungs should initially stay home from work or school so that they do not spread TB bacteria to other people. After taking TB drugs for 2 weeks, they will feel better and may not be infectious to others. However, to be completely cured they would need to take the drugs as prescribed for at least 6–8 months.