Latent TB Infection

Treatment for latent TB infection is usually a single antibiotic for nine months. The goal of this treatment is to eliminate the bacteria from your body. A long treatment is required because antibiotics work only when the bacteria are actively dividing, and the bacteria that cause TB can rest without growing for long periods. This treatment is necessary to keep the latent TB infection from developing into active disease.

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Isoniazid (INH) is the most commonly prescribed antibiotic for latent TB. INH can cause liver damage with long-term use, so your doctor may monitor your liver with blood tests over the months that you take the drug. You should avoid acetaminophen (Tylenol) and alcohol while taking INH, as these can also cause liver damage. (Symptoms of liver damage include nausea, vomiting, yellow discoloration of the eyes, fever, and diarrhea.) Some people who do not have a positive skin test take INH because their history of exposure to someone with active disease makes it likely that they have been infected.

Some drugs taken for other conditions increase the risk that a latent TB infection will become active; be sure to tell your doctor about all drugs that you are taking.