Is it normal to have pain while taking AKT-4 kit and Benadon 40 for TB?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 22-year-old female. I got effusion in my right chest and was detected with pulmonary TB. I have been prescribed with AKT-4 kit and Benadon 40 mg for one month. I am taking this medication for the last five days and am feeling pain in my chest and rib area during breathing for past two days. Is it normal to have such pain during this medication or shall I visit the doctor?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I would like to ask a few questions.

What were your symptoms and since when you were symptomatic?
How was TB (tuberculosis) diagnosed and based on what tests?

I am asking this because, though in more than 90 % cases effusion is due to TB, there can be other causes also. Anyway, for TB pleural effusion, you will need to take AKT-4 (Ethambutol, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, Rifampicin) for two months followed by AKT-3 (Rifampicin, Ethambutol, Isoniazid) for four months. In some cases, treatment might be extended to nine months.

Now, regarding pain while breathing, it is a usual sign of pleural inflammation. While breathing two layers of pleura rub if they are inflamed and it causes pain. It is expected in case of pleural effusion. If you are having symptoms, you can take analgesic for a few days to relieve pain. But you will have to continue ATT (antitubercular treatment).