A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ON TUBERCULOSIS AND ITS PHARMACOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL

M. Dhanusha*, A. Suresh, T.C. Rakesh, S. Nuzhath Jahan, C. Vasim Banu

Tuberculosis is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lungs but can spread to other organs. This study aims to analyze the pharmacological management of tuberculosis patients in a tertiary care teaching hospital. A total of 120 cases were analyzed, with the majority being male patients aged 41-50 years. The most common etiological factor was smoking and alcohol consumption. The diagnosis was primarily confirmed using sputum culture and X-rays. Patients were treated with first-line drugs such as isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, along with second-line therapy where necessary. The study concludes that early diagnosis and adherence to treatment significantly improve patient outcomes.