Under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), the recommended treatment regimen for a newly diagnosed drug-sensitive TB patient weighing 55 kg includes which of the following daily dosing configurations in the intensive phase?

• A 4 FDC tablets of HRZE (75/150/400/275 mg) daily for 2 months ✓
• B 3 FDC tablets of HRZ plus separate ethambutol daily for 2 months
• C 5 FDC tablets of HRZE (75/150/400/275 mg) daily for 2 months
• D Thrice-weekly HRZE for 2 months followed by daily HR for 4 months

Explanation

Under NTEP, weight-based daily FDC dosing replaces the older thrice-weekly regimen. For 51–70 kg body weight, 4 tablets of the 4-drug FDC (H75/R150/Z400/E275) are given daily in the 2-month intensive phase. Patients <50 kg receive 3 tablets; those ≥71 kg receive 5 tablets. Thrice-weekly regimens are no longer recommended under the revised NTEP guidelines as daily regimens improve outcomes and reduce acquired resistance.

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

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