RIPE therapy is a combination of drugs that are used to treat TB. What do the letters in RIPE stand for?

The correct answer is based on the understanding of the specific medications used in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). RIPE therapy refers to a combination of four essential antibiotics that effectively target the bacteria responsible for TB.

Rifampin is a potent antibiotic that plays a critical role in killing the bacteria and preventing its replication. Isoniazid works by inhibiting the synthesis of mycolic acid in the bacterial cell wall, further contributing to the destruction of the TB bacteria. Pyrazinamide enhances the overall effectiveness of the treatment by targeting bacteria in different phases of growth, while Ethambutol serves to inhibit the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall.

Each of these medications is vital for a successful TB treatment regimen and is used to combat potential resistance by killing the bacteria through multiple mechanisms. This multi-drug approach helps prevent the development of drug-resistant strains of TB.

In summary, the letters in RIPE stand for Rifampin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, and Ethambutol, each of which has a specific function in fighting TB, making this combination the standard first-line treatment.