What is the first treatment tried for latent tuberculosis infection?

Latent infection means tuberculosis bacteria are present but not causing active illness or spreading through the air. Treatment aims to reduce the chance that the infection becomes active later. A clinician reviews your symptoms, exposure history, screening results, and any chest imaging needed before selecting a regimen. A positive screening result alone does not establish active tuberculosis.

Arrange a medical review if screening suggests latent infection. Take the prescribed medicine exactly as directed and tell the clinician about liver problems, pregnancy, regular medicines, or previous tuberculosis treatment. Do not stop because you feel well; latent infection often has no symptoms. Keep follow-up appointments so side effects and adherence can be checked.

Contact a clinician promptly for yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe nausea, persistent vomiting, unusual weakness, or upper abdominal pain while taking treatment. Seek urgent care for coughing blood, severe breathing difficulty, confusion, or sudden collapse, because these can signal a serious illness requiring immediate assessment.

Ask which regimen is being recommended, how long it is expected to continue, which symptoms should prompt a call, and whether any of your medicines need changing. You can also ask how active tuberculosis was excluded and when follow-up testing or review is planned.