Question #29 explained
Which of the following is a common empiric regimen for treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection?
NOTE: The acronym “RIPPE” is commonly used to help remember the common treatment of tuberculosis (answer A). The second “P” is for pyridoxine (aka vitamin B6), which helps minimize toxicity from isoniazid.
A. Rifampin + isoniazid + pyrazinamide + ethambutol – CORRECT
B. Rifampin + isoniazid + pyrimethamine + ethambutol – INCORRECT: be careful not to confuse pyrimethamine with pyrazinamide. Pyrimethamine can be used for treating PCP or toxoplasmosis (amongst other organisms).
C. Ribavirin + isoniazid + pyrazinamide + ethambutol – INCORRECT: ribavirin is a common drug used in the treatment of hepatitis C, not tuberculosis
D. Rifampin + isoniazid + pyrazinamide + erythromycin – INCORRECT: ethambutol not erythromycin is a first-line drug for tuberculosis