Anti-tubercular agents are used to treat infections caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and can be classified based on their mechanism of action and chemical structure.
They are often categorized into first-line and second-line drugs, and further grouped into two main types:
1) Synthetic Anti-Tubercular Agents
These are chemically synthesized drugs that target various biochemical pathways in M. tuberculosis.
Examples:
1. Isoniazid
2. Ethionamide
3. Ethambutol
4. Pyrazinamide
5. Para-aminosalicylic acid
2) Anti-Tubercular Antibiotics
These agents are naturally derived or semi-synthetic and work by inhibiting mycobacterial growth through mechanisms such as interfering with bacterial RNA synthesis, protein synthesis, or cell wall formation.
Examples:
1. Rifampicin
2. Rifabutin
3. Cycloserine
4. Streptomycin
5. Capreomycin sulphate
