New patients with pulmonary TB may receive a daily intensive phase
followed by a three times weekly continuation phase [2HRZE/4(HR)3], provided that each dose is directly observed.

Wherever feasible, the optimal dosing frequency for new patients with pulmonary TB is daily throughout the course of therapy.

The 2HRZE/6HE treatment regimen should be phased out.

In patients treated with the regimen containing rifampicin throughout treatment, if a positive sputum smear is found at completion of the intensive phase,
the extension of the intensive phase is not recommended.

In previously treated patients, if the specimen obtained at the end of the intensive phase (month 3) is smear-positive, sputum culture and drug susceptibility
testing (DST) should be performed.

In new patients, if the specimen obtained at the end of month 3 is smear-positive,
sputum culture and drug susceptibility testing (DST) should be performed.

In new patients, if the specimen obtained at the end of the intensive phase
(month 2) is smear-positive, sputum smear microscopy should be obtained at
the end of the third month.

For smear-positive pulmonary TB patients treated with first-line drugs, sputum
smear microscopy may be performed at completion of the intensive phase of
treatment.

It is recommended that TB patients who are living with HIV should receive at least
the same duration of TB treatment as HIV-negative TB patients.

If a daily continuation phase is not possible for these patients, three times
weekly dosing during the continuation phase is an acceptable alternative.