What is a common first line treatment for active tuberculosis (TB)?

Isoniazid (INH) is a cornerstone in the treatment of active tuberculosis (TB) because it targets the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis effectively. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of mycolic acids, which are essential components of the bacterial cell wall. This action leads to the destruction of the bacteria, making it crucial for clearing the infection.

In addition to its efficacy, isoniazid is generally well-tolerated and has been extensively studied, demonstrating significant effectiveness in various forms of TB treatment regimens. It is typically used in combination with other antitubercular agents to prevent the development of drug resistance, particularly when treating active cases of TB.

The other options do not serve as first-line treatments for active TB. Azithromycin is used for various bacterial infections but is not effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Ciprofloxacin can be used in some situations for resistant TB cases but is not a primary treatment for active TB due to its limited efficacy against this specific pathogen. Clofazimine is primarily used in the treatment of leprosy and some drug-resistant forms of TB but is not considered a first-line medication for active TB, especially when effective first-line medications like isoniazid are available.