## NTEP First-Line TB Regimen **Key Point:** The standard first-line regimen for drug-susceptible TB under NTEP (National TB Elimination Program, formerly RNTCP) is **HRZE** — Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide, and Ethambutol. ### HRZE Regimen Breakdown | Drug | Abbreviation | Role | Duration | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Isoniazid | H | Bactericidal | 6 months | | Rifampicin | R | Bactericidal | 6 months | | Pyrazinamide | Z | Bactericidal | 2 months (intensive) | | Ethambutol | E | Bacteriostatic | 2 months (intensive) | **High-Yield:** Streptomycin is **no longer part of the standard first-line regimen** in India since the transition from DOTS to NTEP. It was replaced by Ethambutol to reduce ototoxicity and improve tolerability. **Clinical Pearl:** The regimen is given as 2HRZE/4HR — meaning 2 months of all four drugs (intensive phase) followed by 4 months of HR alone (continuation phase). **Mnemonic:** **HRZE = "Her Zest"** — all four drugs in intensive phase; then **HR = "Her"** — only two in continuation.
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