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Isoniazid
INFORMATION ABOUT ISONIAZID
Isoniazid Uses
Isoniazid is used in the treatment of tuberculosis. It is also used to treat inactive (latent) TB .
How Isoniazid works
Isoniazid is an antibiotic. It works by killing the bacteria that causes tuberculosis.
Common side effects of Isoniazid
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common
Peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness of feet and hand), Hepatitis (viral infection of liver), Skin rash, Lethargy, Increased liver enzymes
CONTENT DETAILS
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Written By
Dr. Syeda Aafia
MBA, BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Rajeev Sharma
MBA, MBBS
Last updated
13 Jun 2023 | 11:26 AM (UTC)
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Expert advice for Isoniazid
- Your doctor has prescribed Isoniazid to cure your infection and improve symptoms.
- It is best taken on an empty stomach.
- You must also take a vitamin B6 supplement while on Isoniazid.
- Tell your doctor immediately if you experience vision changes, loss of appetite, tiredness, stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, yellow skin or eyes or dark-colored urine.
Frequently asked questions for Isoniazid
Isoniazid is an antibiotic used in the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis or TB (a serious infection caused by bacteria that affects the lungs and in certain cases other parts of the body)
Isoniazid is a primary antibiotic used for treatment of tuberculosis. Do not confuse it with chemotherapy or chemo drugs used for the treatment of cancer
Isoniazid is a bacteriostatic antibiotic. It stops or suppresses growth of tuberculosis causing bacteria by interfering with the formation of protective outer covering (cell wall) which is essential for their growth
Yes. Isoniazid is safe if used at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by your doctor
Isoniazid has very weak inhibitory activity on enzymes monoamine oxidases (MAO); however it is not used as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
No. The chemical structure and mechanism of action of Isoniazid is different from sulfa drugs
Isoniazid is an inhibitor (decreases activity) of an important liver enzyme system that is responsible for the final processing and elimination of several drugs from the body
There no known serious drug interactions of isoniazid with ibuprofen, paracetamol (trade name: Tylenol), naproxen (trade name: Aleve), amoxicillin or any active drug present in Nyquil or Mucinex. Please inform your doctor about all the medication you are currently taking to avoid interactions that may reduce effectiveness of any treatment or aggravate side effects
Changes in body weight (gain/loss), hair loss, diarrhea or changes in menstruation are not among the known side effects of Isoniazid. You may experience few of these side effects while on multi drug (including Isoniazid) treatment for tuberculosis
You may experience unusual tiredness, constipation or acne while on treatment with Isoniazid. Please inform your doctor about all the medication you are currently taking to avoid interactions that may reduce effectiveness of any treatment or aggravate side effects
Isoniazid has no known interaction with commonly used oral contraceptives (birth control pills). However, multidrug treatment for tuberculosis contains active drug rifampin that decreases the effectiveness of oral contraceptives and hampers birth control.