The effectiveness of 3 first line TB drugs: Rifampicin, Isoniazid, and Pyrazinamide is significantly reduced when they are taken after food . National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (NIRT) has found that when the pills were taken after food, the plasma concentration of rifampicin, isoniazid, and pyrazinamide decreased by 50%, 45%, and 34% respectively and there was delayed absorption. The Director General of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has said that at least two first-line drugs need to be taken on fasting. Doctors can advise patients about the beneficial effects of taking anti-TB drugs in a fasting state.
Presently, there is no clear guidance on whether or not to take anti-TB medications with food. It is believed that drugs are not well tolerated on an empty stomach and many patients prefer to their medicines after taking. Reference AKH Kumar et al. "Food…
