What class of drugs is used to treat tuberculosis (TB)?

The correct answer is antitubercular agents, as these are specifically designed to target and treat tuberculosis (TB). TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and antitubercular agents work by inhibiting the growth of this bacterium or killing it outright. This class of drugs includes medications such as isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, which are used in various combinations to effectively treat active TB infections and help prevent the development of drug-resistant strains.

While antibiotics are also effective against a range of bacterial infections, they are not specifically categorized for the treatment of TB and may not adequately address the unique characteristics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Heparin is an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots, and corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs that do not target the underlying infection of TB. Therefore, antitubercular agents represent the most appropriate and effective option for treating tuberculosis specifically.