Page 11 - NTM Insight Pamphlet 2024

If the standard therapy is ineffective, another combination of medications will be prescribed based on the strain of NTM.
For more information on antibiotic medications, refer to the chart in this pamphlet or at ntminfo.org.
2. Route of Medicines
A. Oral – Pills or liquid medications taken by mouth. Make sure you understand what time of day to take medicines and whether they should be taken before, after, or with meals.
If you have difficulty swallowing pills, put your chin to your chest and swallow them. Placing pills in soft food like applesauce is another option. Do not tilt your head back, as this can make it easier for pills to slip into your airway.
B. Intravenous (IV) – IV medicines infused via a port or peripherally inserted central catheter (picc) line. The duration of IV administration varies. It is important that you know how to care for any central catheter (port) or picc line to avoid introducing other infections.
C. Inhaled – Medications (antibiotics, steroids, or bronchodilators) inhaled directly into your lungs or nose via a nebulizer or metered dose inhaler. It is important to understand how to care for the nebulizer to maintain sterile conditions. Run the unit to clear and dry the tubing after each use.
Extrapulmonary or disseminated NTM may include other treatments, including medications to help with immune function or topical ointments to help keep wound areas sterile or promote healing. Wounds may also need debridement throughout the healing process.
Visit ntminfo.org for more information on all of these treatments.
3. Hearing, Vision, EKG and Other Tests – Some antibiotics may result in hearing or vision loss or affect your heart. Baseline and routine exams are recommended because you might not notice the damage until it has progressed.
ntminfo.org
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