Most people with drug-sensitive TB are treated for about 6 months. The course has two phases, and some kinds of TB need longer.
हिंदी में सार
सामान्य टीबी का इलाज लगभग 6 महीने का होता है: 8 हफ़्ते का गहन चरण (चार दवाइयाँ) और 16 हफ़्ते का निरंतर चरण (तीन दवाइयाँ)। दिमाग या रीढ़ की टीबी में लगभग 12 महीने लग सकते हैं। अवधि केवल डॉक्टर तय करते हैं।
Never stop or change TB medicines on your own
Do not stop, skip or change your TB medicines without talking to your doctor or DOTS provider, even if you feel better. Stopping early can bring TB back and can make it drug-resistant.
Contact your health facility at once if you have:
- yellow eyes or yellow skin, or dark urine with pale stools
- any change in your eyesight, such as blurring or trouble seeing colours
- severe or repeated vomiting, or you cannot keep food down
- a skin rash, itching with swelling, or blisters
The two phases
| Phase | Length (ICMR workflow) | Medicines (names only) |
|---|---|---|
| Intensive phase | 8 weeks | Isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol |
| Continuation phase | 16 weeks | Isoniazid, rifampicin and ethambutol (pyrazinamide stopped) |
The WHO’s standard regimen for new pulmonary drug-sensitive TB is also 2 months of four medicines followed by 4 months of two. India’s programme keeps ethambutol in the continuation phase. The Central TB Division FAQ says treatment for drug-sensitive TB generally takes 6 to 9 months.
When treatment is longer
| Situation | Typical duration (overview) |
|---|---|
| TB of the brain (meningitis) | At least 12 months in total (ICMR) |
| TB of the spine | About 12 months (ICMR) |
| Slow response or widespread TB | Extended case by case by the treating doctor |
| Drug-resistant TB | Different regimens, from 6 months to longer; see MDR-TB |
Only your doctor can decide to extend or end treatment. “2 phases of TB treatment” are the intensive and continuation phases described above.
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Frequently asked questions
How many days is TB treatment?
For drug-sensitive TB the ICMR workflow describes 8 weeks plus 16 weeks, about 24 weeks or 6 months in total.
Can TB treatment be finished in 3 months?
No. Shorter courses are only for TB preventive treatment, which is different from treating TB disease.
Why is bone or spine TB treated longer?
Bone and nerve tissue heal slowly, and guidelines recommend longer treatment for these sites. Your doctor sets the length.
Does Poshan Yojana support last the whole course?
Yes, it is paid per month of treatment, so a longer course means more months of support.
Medical review note. Written from official TB programme guidelines; last checked 16 October 2026. This is general information, not medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, see a doctor at your nearest government health facility.