Intermittent (three-times-weekly) treatment regimen

For discussion about intermittent therapy and when it may be used, see Overview of standard short-course therapy for tuberculosis.

If a switch to intermittent therapy is appropriate for an adult with TB, continue therapy with the following regimen:

isoniazid 10 mg/kg up to 900 mg orally, 3 times weekly to complete a total of 6 months’ therapy (daily + intermittent therapy)1. For dosage adjustment in adults with kidney impairment, see isoniazid dosage adjustment tuberculosis, intermittent regimen isoniazid    

PLUS

rifampicin 10 mg/kg up to 600 mg orally, 3 times weekly to complete a total of 6 months’ therapy (daily + intermittent therapy). For dosage adjustment in adults with kidney impairment, see rifampicin dosage adjustment tuberculosis, intermittent regimen rifampicin    

PLUS (if required2)

ethambutol 30 mg/kg up to 2400 mg orally, 3 times weekly. For dosage adjustment in adults with kidney impairment, see ethambutol (three-times-weekly regimen) dosage adjustment tuberculosis, intermittent regimen ethambutol    

PLUS (if required3)

pyrazinamide 35 mg/kg up to 3 g orally, 3 times weekly4. For pyrazinamide dosage adjustment in adults with kidney impairment, seek expert advice. tuberculosis, intermittent regimen pyrazinamide    

c_abg16-c123-s13.html#abg16-c123-s13__abg16-c123-tbl6 shows three-times-weekly doses for adults that have been calculated based on weight, then rounded to a practical dose for the drug preparations available in Australia.

1 In adults who are at risk of peripheral neuropathy, administer pyridoxine 25 mg orally, with each dose of isoniazid.Return
2 Discontinue ethambutol once susceptibility to isoniazid and rifampicin is confirmed, even if this is before 2 months of therapy have elapsed; continue ethambutol if susceptibility results are not available at 2 months.Return
3 Pyrazinamide should only be discontinued after at least 2 months of treatment have elapsed AND susceptibility to isoniazid and rifampicin is confirmed.Return
4 Pyrazinamide is not marketed in Australia but is available via the Special Access Scheme.Return