A REVIEW ON BEDAQUILINE IN THE TREATMENT OF MULTI-DRUG-RESISTANT TUBERCULOSIS

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) presents formidable treatment challenges, and tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major global health concern. As the first medication created especially for tuberculosis in more than 40 years, bedaquiline, an antimicrobial agent based on the diarylquinoline class, marks a significant advancement in the treatment of tuberculosis. It interferes with Mycobacterium tuberculosis's energy metabolism by targeting ATP synthase. Bedaquiline, which was approved by the FDA in 2012, has demonstrated encouraging outcomes in treating MDR-TB, even in patients who are resistant to fluoroquinolones and other first-line treatments. Its distinct pharmacokinetics and structure, which include primary excretion through feces and high bioavailability with meals, increase its effectiveness and lessen cross-resistance. The significance of suitable companion medications is highlighted by the drug's vulnerability to resistance brought on by genetic mutations. QT interval prolongation and mild to moderate side effects are safety concerns prescribed as a component of combination therapy for patients with pulmonary MDR-TB who are older than 18.