Patterns of Adverse Drug Reactions in Tuberculosis Treatment: A Literature Review

Authors

• Jasmine R. Aisyah, Master of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia AND Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia
• Ivan S. Pradipta, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia AND Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia
• Widya N. Insani, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia AND Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, IndonesiaFollow

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) treatment is often interrupted by adverse drug reactions (ADRs). However, few studies have thoroughly examined these ADR patterns in TB treatment, and no research has assessed the prevalence of ADRs in specific organs. This narrative review describes the patterns of ADRs in tuberculosis treatment, including how common each type is and its impact on organs across different countries and populations. A structured narrative literature review was conducted to identify relevant original studies published in PubMed database between 2019 and 2025. The search combined Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and free-text terms related to ``tuberculosis'' and ``adverse drug reactions''. Eligible original studies reporting ADR prevalence and affected organ systems during TB treatment were reviewed, and findings were synthesized narratively without meta-analysis or pooled prevalence estimates. ADRs occurred in 23%–90% of patients, with the highest rates seen in those receiving treatment for drug-resistant TB. Severe ADRs such as hepatotoxicity, ototoxicity, hematologic toxicity, and QT prolongation often lead to dose adjustments or discontinuation in up to 28% of cases. The prevalence of ADRs varied geographically, ranging from 1% to 90% in Africa, 7% to 57% in Asia, and 1% to 82% in Europe. ADRs are highly prevalent and affect multiple organ systems among patients receiving TB therapy. These findings highlight the importance of adopting integrated, patient-centered strategies for managing ADRs in TB. Future studies should adopt standardized definitions and reporting methods to improve the comparability of ADR prevalence across settings.

Recommended Citation

Aisyah, Jasmine R.; Pradipta, Ivan S.; and Insani, Widya N. (2026) "Patterns of Adverse Drug Reactions in Tuberculosis Treatment: A Literature Review," Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research: Vol. 11: Iss. 1, Article 6.
DOI: 10.15416/pcpr.v11i1.67651
Available at: https://journal.unpad.ac.id/pcpr/vol11/iss1/6

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