## Standard Anti-TB Regimen in Pediatric TB **Key Point:** The WHO-recommended and Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) standard regimen for drug-susceptible pulmonary TB in children is a **2-4 regimen** (2 months intensive + 4 months continuation = 6 months total). ### Intensive Phase (First 2 months) - Isoniazid (INH) - Rifampicin (RIF) - Pyrazinamide (PZA) - Ethambutol (EMB) ### Continuation Phase (Next 4 months) - Isoniazid (INH) - Rifampicin (RIF) **High-Yield:** This 6-month regimen achieves >95% cure rates in drug-susceptible TB and is the standard across India, WHO guidelines, and NEET PG curricula. **Clinical Pearl:** The 2-4 regimen is shorter and more effective than older 9-month regimens because of the inclusion of pyrazinamide in the intensive phase, which has sterilizing activity against semi-dormant bacilli. **Mnemonic:** **RIPE** for intensive phase (Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol) — then **RI** for continuation.
Sign up free to access AI-powered MCQ practice with detailed explanations and adaptive learning.