Key takeaways
Pretomanid and Sirturo (bedaquiline) are both antitubercular agents used to treat difficult-to-treat tuberculosis (TB) infections, but they have some key differences. Pretomanid must be taken with Sirturo and linezolid (Zyvox). In contrast, Sirturomust be taken with at least three other anti-TB antibiotics. Pretomanid works by stopping the bacteria from making their protective covering, while Sirturo kills bacteria by blocking a protein they need to make energy and survive. Pretomanid is taken daily for 6 to 7 months, whereas Sirturo is taken daily for the first 2 weeks and then three times a week for the next 22 weeks. Both medications can cause liver damage and heart rhythm problems, but Sirturo is also linked to a higher risk of death. Additionally, Sirturo can be given to children as young as 5 years old, while Pretomanid is only for adults. Neither medication is available in a generic form, making them both expensive options for TB..
