8.5 Anti-Tuberculosis drug doses for children

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Dosages are calculated according to body weight and not according to age. Weight is important for monitoring treatment response and should be recorded during the initial as well as all follow up visits. TB drugs are well tolerated in the majority of children.

The risk of developing optic neuritis (eye damage) from Ethambutol in children is minimal, and hence, four drugs are now used in all new cases of paediatric TB. It is important to be aware that eye problems are possible and to check all children for visual problems during their treatment course. The parents / guardians of the child on treatment too must be counseled to promptly report any vision related symptoms.

The pharmacokinetics of anti-tuberculosis drugs is such that children generally need higher doses (per kg body weight) than adults to achieve effective serum concentration.