What are the treatment options for tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis can affect the lungs or other parts of the body. Doctors first establish whether infection is present, where it is located and which medicines are suitable. A [Tuberculosis Screening](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/tuberculosis-screening/) assessment and, when appropriate, a [Chest X-Ray](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/chest-x-ray/) may be part of this process. Treatment differs for active disease and inactive infection.

Take the prescribed antibiotic combination on the schedule given and attend every monitoring appointment. Do not miss doses or stop because symptoms improve; incomplete treatment can allow infection to persist and may make future treatment harder. Tell the care team about new symptoms, other medicines, pregnancy or liver problems. More information about [Antibiotic Treatment](/treatments/medical-management/antibiotic-treatment/) can help explain why supervision matters.

Contact your clinician promptly for yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe nausea, unusual bruising, vision changes, breathing difficulty, worsening chest symptoms or a serious rash. Follow local advice about reducing spread if pulmonary tuberculosis is suspected or confirmed.

Ask which type of tuberculosis is being treated, how long the planned course may take, whether close contacts need screening, which side effects require urgent advice, and how follow-up will confirm response.