Methods and compositions for treating disease caused by infectious agents, particularly tuberculosis. In particular, methods and compositions comprising substituted ethylene diamines for the treatment of infectious diseases are provided. In one embodiment, these methods and compositions are used for the treatment of mycobacterial infections, including, but not limited to, tuberculosis. In certain embodiments, the present invention comprises compositions comprising novel substituted ethylene diamine compounds further comprising antitubercular agents such as rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol.