Under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) 2024 guidelines, the recommended treatment regimen for a newly diagnosed drug-sensitive pulmonary TB patient who has not previously received any anti-TB treatment is:

• A 2HRZE/4HR (daily dosing throughout) ✓
• B 2HRZE/4HR3 (daily intensive, thrice weekly continuation)
• C 6HRE (6-month daily three-drug regimen)
• D 2HRZES/1HRZE/5HRE

Explanation

NTEP (previously RNTCP) shifted from thrice-weekly (intermittent) to daily fixed-dose combination (FDC) therapy for all new TB patients. The current regimen is 2HRZE (2-month intensive phase) followed by 4HR (4-month continuation phase), all given daily — total 6 months. The old 2HRZE/4HR3 (thrice-weekly continuation) is no longer recommended as it was associated with higher rates of acquired drug resistance. The 5-drug regimen (option D) is used for Category II retreatment cases under old RNTCP guidelines, which have been replaced under NTEP.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.