What is the recommended duration of INH therapy for active tuberculosis?

The recommended duration of INH (Isoniazid) therapy for active tuberculosis (TB) is indeed 6 to 12 months. This extended treatment duration is crucial for effectively eradicating the bacteria that cause TB and preventing relapse. The standard approach in treating active TB usually involves a combination of several antimicrobial agents, including INH, to combat the infection effectively.

In the case of active TB, the World Health Organization and CDC guidelines suggest a treatment regimen that typically lasts at least six months. Completing the full course is essential to cure the infection completely and reduce the risk of developing drug-resistant TB strains. The addition of rifampin along with INH during the initial phase often lasts for two months, followed by an additional four to six months of INH alone, depending on various factors like the patient's response and the presence of drug resistance.

Treatments shorter than this recommended duration may not adequately address the infection, thereby increasing the risk of incomplete treatment, relapse, and the emergence of drug-resistant TB strains.