Why is Ethi called a second line drug?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a difficult infection to treat and when it is detected for the first time, first-line drugs are used. Generally, the appropriate use of first-line drugs (e.g. isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, pyrazinamide, and streptomycin) can effectively cure TB. But, if the patient does not respond to first-line medicines, then second-line medicines (e.g. Ethi, kanamycin, ciprofloxacin, etc.) are used. Second-line medicines have more side effects and are the second choice in terms of effectiveness.