A 55 year old man who has been on anticoagulant [Warfarin (Coumadin)] treatment for many years is diagnosed with TB. Which of the following antimycobacterial agents would most likely induce cytochrome P450 enzymes in the patient's liver and thereby modify the effects of his anticoagulant treatment?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Ethambutol: Ethambutol is a bacteriostatic antimycobacterial agent that inhibits cell wall synthesis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is not known to significantly induce or inhibit hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes and therefore has minimal impact on the metabolism of warfarin or other drugs processed through this pathway. B. Amikacin: Amikacin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic primarily eliminated via the kidneys and does not undergo hepatic metabolism. It does not induce cytochrome P450 enzymes and is unlikely to interfere with warfarin anticoagulation or other medications metabolized by the liver. C. Rifampin: Rifampin is a potent inducer of several cytochrome P450 isoenzymes, including CYP2C9 and CYP3A4, which are involved in warfarin metabolism. Induction accelerates the hepatic clearance of warfarin, decreasing its anticoagulant effect and increasing the risk of subtherapeutic INR and potential thromboembolic events. Careful monitoring and dose adjustment are required when co-administered. D. Pyrazinamide: Pyrazinamide is metabolized in the liver but does not significantly induce or inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes. Its effect on warfarin metabolism is minimal, making it unlikely to alter anticoagulant efficacy or require dose adjustments solely due to enzyme induction.