Tuberculosis is a dangerous infectious disease that can affect the internal organs of a person. Under the main blow, the lungs fall, then the kidneys, bladder, bones, and so on. In the absence of timely and effective treatment, the disease progresses rapidly, leading to serious consequences and even death. Therefore, it is so important to use reliable drugs that can defeat this disease.
For example, drugs based on aminosalicylic acid with high anti-tuberculosis activity. This will be discussed below.
Sad statistics
According to some reports, citizens of the Russian Federation are ten times more likely to be infected with a tubercle bacillus than residents of European countries. It should be noted that all segments of the population are at risk. Therefore, even in prosperous families there are cases of infection.
Tuberculosis symptoms
The first signs in adults that may signal a lesiontubercle bacillus are:
- prolonged cough that persists with standard treatment
- presence of pus and bloody streaks in sputum,
- inexplicable, at first glance, increase in body temperature to subfebrile values,
- appetite reduction,
- weight loss,
- fatigue for no apparent reason.
If one or more of these signs are found, the patient should immediately consult a doctor for advice. In such cases, a specialist sends a person to an X-ray of the lungs (fluorography). If the image shows any focal formation exceeding 1 cm in diameter, the patient can be suspected of having tuberculosis and additional examinations can be carried out. In case of a positive result, it is required to immediately begin treatment of the disease.
Aminosalicylic acid is often the drug of choice.
Description of the substance and representatives
Chemical name - 4-amino-2-hydroxybenzoic acid.
Formula - C7H7NO3.
Latin name - aminosalicylic acid.
Externally, the substance is a white powder consisting of small crystals. Yellowish or pinkish shades are acceptable. There is no particular smell.
The main representative of this substance on the pharmaceutical market is a preparation containing the s alt of aminosalicylic acid - sodium aminosalicylate. Available in the form of tablets for oral administration. Also, the active substance is available in pure form as a solution for infusion.
Pharmacological action
The drug inhibits the synthesis of folic acid in the microbial cell, thereby preventing its normal functioning. Aminosalicylic acid is especially active in destroying proliferating cells. It has practically no effect on mycobacteria in the resting stage. That is why aminosalicylic acid preparations cannot be the only remedy for tuberculosis. They need to be used in combination with other antimycotics.
Interestingly, aminosalicylic acid slows down the development of resistance to other drugs.
Indications for use
Tuberculosis is the only indication for the use of this remedy. It is worth saying that in modern medicine, when choosing a therapy for tuberculosis, it often gives preference to other, newer and safer drugs.
Contraindications
All drugs containing the active ingredient "aminosalicylic acid" have a systemic effect on the entire body of the patient, so there are a number of conditions in which the use of products based on it is strictly prohibited. These include:
- Disruption of kidney function.
- Liver failure.
- Hepatitis.
- Cirrhosis of the liver.
- Amyloidosis.
- Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum.
- Mixedema.
- Epilepsy.
- Pregnancy at any time.
- Availabilityintolerance to aminosalicylic acid and its s alts.
Side effects
The drug is quite toxic, so it can adversely affect the work of many organs and systems of the body, causing a number of undesirable side reactions. Namely:
- The digestive system usually suffers the most, because it is through the gastrointestinal tract that the drug passes, causing nausea, vomiting, pain in the abdomen, indigestion in the form of diarrhea.
- The nervous system may also be slightly affected. That is why some patients notice increased irritability, the development of psychosis.
- The liver takes a strong blow. Therefore, side effects should include jaundice, an increase in liver volume, pain in the right hypochondrium.
- Changes are also taking place in the hematopoietic system. For example, the number of leukocytes, platelets and eosinophils is significantly reduced.
- In the case of long-term use of high dosages of the drug, the thyroid gland also suffers. Perhaps the development of goiter, hypothyroidism.
- Rarely, but it is possible to develop an allergic reaction in the form of itching and a rash on the skin.
Special Instructions
For the most effective treatment, you should use aminosalicylic acid and its s alts in combination with other anti-tuberculosis drugs. Otherwise, the treatment will not be as effective.
How to use anddosage
The drug is intended for oral administration. A tablet of the substance should be taken orally with a sufficient amount of clean drinking water. Do not replace it with tea, coffee, alcohol, milk and other drinks. This may interfere with the absorption of the medicine.
According to the information specified in the instructions for the use of aminosalicylic acid, the dosage should be selected individually for each patient and calculated using the formula 150-300mg/kg/day. The frequency of reception should be 3-4 times within one day.
For adults, as a rule, there is the following treatment regimen: 3-4 grams 3 times a day after meals.
Terms of dispensing from pharmacies
Para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) is a prescription drug. It is acquired by medical institutions and pharmacy organizations with special rights. To purchase this substance, an ordinary person needs a prescription form in a specially prescribed form, which is prescribed by a doctor.
Pharmaceutical worker checks the correctness of the document, the presence of all mandatory and additional details. If the result is satisfied, the drug is lowered.
Conclusion
When the first signs and symptoms of tuberculosis are detected in adults and children, it is urgent to take all measures to identify the pathogen and destroy it.
Preparations based on aminosalicylate for many years have shown themselves to be effective. Howeverit should be remembered that they should be taken only as prescribed by the attending physician and in combination with other anti-tuberculosis substances. In this case, the patient will have every chance for a full recovery.
