High-dose rifampin -- 35 mg/kg daily -- administered for 8 weeks showed no reduction in mortality rate compared with standard-dose rifampin -- 10 mg/kg daily -- in patients with tuberculous meningitis but was accompanied by more early deaths and slower normalization of mental status.

A nutrient-dense diet and targeted supplements are critical to mitigate side effects, but they are adjuncts to, not substitutes for, the necessary pharmaceutical treatment.