Chemotherapeutic potential of orally administered poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles containing isoniazid, rifampin, and pyrazinamide against experimental tuberculosis

Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) microspheres (diameter, less than 3 mum) containing isoniazid, rifampin, and pyrazinamide were used in a sustained oral drug delivery system to treat murine tuberculosis. Drug levels above the MIC were observed up to 72 h in plasma and for 9 days in various organs. Relative bioavailability of encapsulated drugs was greater than that of free drugs. Chemotherapy results showed better or equivalent clearance of bacilli in the PLG-drug-administered group (weekly) than with free drugs (daily).