Clinical pharmacist intervention on antitubercular drug induced hepatitis and dermatitis

Abstract

A 47 year old female patient with microbiologically confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis on intensive phase of anti-tubercular therapy now showed up with complaints of cough, loss of appetite, itching and loss of weight. The cutaneous reaction was a sign of dermatitis and elevation in the estimates of liver enzymes point to hepatic damage. The suspected drugs were discontinued and hepatoprotectives along with antihistamine were initiated. Faulty treatment can dive into drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and exterminate almost half of the victims within five years if left untreated. A meticulous follow-up and timely change of therapy may avert serious adverse events.