Isoniazid
About Isoniazid
Isoniazid belongs to the group of medicines called anti-tubercular agents primarily used to treat and prevent tuberculosis (TB). Tuberculosis is an infectious bacterial disease that mainly affects the lungs, but it can also spread to other body parts such as the kidneys, brain, spine, and bone marrow. Isoniazid does not work against infections caused by the virus.
Isoniazid contains isoniazid, an antibiotic that works by preventing bacteria from producing mycolic acids, an enzyme required for cell wall formation (protective coating). As a result of the disturbance in their metabolism, bacteria that lack a cell wall die and burst. Thus, Isoniazid inhibits the spread of infection by acting against the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which causes tuberculosis.
Take Isoniazid as prescribed. Use Isoniazid for as long as your doctor has prescribed it based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience fever, dizziness, nausea, stomach upset, loss of appetite, constipation, tiredness, numbness, or tingling in the feet or hands as side effects of Isoniazid. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if any of these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Isoniazid or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before taking Isoniazid. Isoniazid may cause mental health problems, fits, or optic neuritis (swelling of the optic nerve that may cause vision loss) in some people. Therefore, avoid driving if you experience any of these symptoms after taking Isoniazid. Avoid foods and drinks containing histamine or tyramine such as cured meat, matured cheese, soya, tuna, salmon, mackerel, wine, and beer while on treatment with Isoniazid as they might interact with this medicine. If you have fits, diabetes, HIV infection, malnutrition, kidney or liver problems, or have suffered from psychosis (mental disturbances), inform your doctor before taking Isoniazid.
Uses of Isoniazid
Medicinal Benefits
Isoniazid contains isoniazid, an antibiotic used to treat and prevent tuberculosis. Isoniazid prevents bacteria from producing mycolic acids, which are required for the formation of cell walls (protective coating). Additionally, Isoniazid may combine with an enzyme that interferes with bacterial cell metabolism. Bacteria die as a result of the disruption in their metabolism and the lack of a cell wall. As a result, it kills Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria that causes tuberculosis (TB) and eliminates the infection.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Isoniazid
- Fever
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Stomach upset
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Tiredness
- Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands
Drug Warnings
If you are known to be allergic to Isoniazid, please inform your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before taking Isoniazid. Isoniazid may cause mental health problems, fits or optic neuritis (swelling of the optic nerve that may cause vision loss) in some people. Therefore, avoid driving if you experience any of these symptoms after taking Isoniazid. Avoid foods and drinks containing a high level of tyramine, such as fermented foods, cheese, cured meat, soya, tuna, salmon, mackerel, wine, and beer, while taking Isoniazid as they might cause drug-food interaction. Avoid alcohol consumption with Isoniazid as it may cause liver damage. If you have fits, diabetes, HIV infection, malnutrition, kidney or liver problems or have suffered from psychosis (mental disturbances), inform your doctor before taking Isoniazid.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Isoniazid may have interaction with anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, valproic acid, phenytoin), medicines that help to sleep (flurazepam, midazolam, diazepam, triazolam), antipsychotics (haloperidol, chlorpromazine), medicines used to prevent blood clots (warfarin, phenindione), bronchodilator (theophylline), anti-arrhythmic drug (procainamide), antifungal (ketoconazole), corticosteroids (prednisolone), painkiller (paracetamol), opioids (alfentanil) and anaesthetic (enflurane).
Drug- Food Interaction: Avoid alcohol consumption with Isoniazid as it may increase the risk of liver damage. Avoid foods and drinks containing histamine or tyramine such as cured meat, matured cheese, soya, tuna, salmon, mackerel, wine, and beer while taking Isoniazid as they might cause interaction.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have fits, diabetes, HIV infection, malnutrition, kidney or liver problems or have suffered from psychosis (mental disturbances), inform your doctor before taking Isoniazid.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid alcohol consumption while on treatment with Isoniazid as it may increase the risk of liver damage. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Pregnancy
safe if prescribedIf you are pregnant, consult your doctor before taking Isoniazid. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if only the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
safe if prescribedIsoniazid is excreted in breast milk in low quantities. If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking Isoniazid. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if only the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
unsafeIsoniazid may cause mental health problems, fits or optic neuritis (swelling of the optic nerve that may cause vision loss) in some people. Therefore, avoid driving if you experience any of these symptoms after taking Isoniazid.
Liver
cautionTake Isoniazid with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionTake Isoniazid with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
cautionIsoniazid is not recommended for children below 3 months of age. However, in children above 3 months, Isoniazid should be used under medical supervision.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Pineapple juice might help soothe the symptoms of cough and cold. It also has anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties.
- Vitamin C-rich foods such as kiwi, broccoli, and bell pepper help in improving the immune system.
- Avoid processed and fried foods.
- Warm ginger tea or warm soup can help in providing relief from a cough.
- Avoid foods and drinks containing histamine or tyramine such as cured meat, matured cheese, soya, tuna, salmon, mackerel, wine, and beer.
- Quit smoking and avoid alcohol consumption.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may advise you to get regular blood tests while taking Isoniazid to monitor your liver function.
- Consult a pulmonologist or lung specialist if you have had a bad cough for 3 weeks or longer, chest pain, coughing up blood or sputum from deep inside the lungs.
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A monthly liver function test is advisable while using Isoniazid.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Tuberculosis (TB): It is an infectious bacterial disease that affects the lungs, but it could also spread to other body parts such as the kidneys, brain, spine, and bone marrow. Tuberculosis is caused by a bacteria named Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is a contagious disease that can spread to others through small droplets released into the air by a person suffering from tuberculosis. Symptoms include a cough that lasts for a few weeks, pain while coughing or normal breathing, unexplained fatigue, fever, night sweats, loss of appetite, and weight. People who smoke or consume alcohol, people diagnosed with HIV, and immune system problems are more likely at risk of developing active TB.
FAQs
Isoniazid contains isoniazid, an antibiotic used to treat and prevent tuberculosis. Isoniazid prevents bacteria from producing mycolic acids, which are required for the formation of cell walls (protective coating). Additionally, Isoniazid may combine with an enzyme that interferes with bacterial cell metabolism. Bacteria die as a result of the disruption in their metabolism and the lack of a cell wall. As a result, it kills Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria that causes tuberculosis (TB) and eliminates the infection.
It is not recommended to take Isoniazid with food. You are advised to take Isoniazid on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal for better absorption.
You are recommended to avoid foods and drinks containing histamine or tyramine such as cured meat, matured cheese, soya, tuna, salmon, mackerel, wine, and beer as they may interact with Isoniazid and cause adverse effects such as sweating, headache, dizziness, light-headedness, flushing (reddening of the skin), fainting due to low blood pressure, uneven, fast or forceful heartbeat.
Yes, Isoniazid may cause liver problems in some patients. However, please consult your doctor if you notice symptoms such as yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, pale stools, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting. Your doctor may monitor your liver function while on treatment with Isoniazid.
You are advised to consult a doctor before taking phenytoin with Isoniazid as taking these medicines together may increase the levels of phenytoin in the blood and cause toxic effects. However, if you experience dizziness, vomiting, confusion or nausea, please consult your doctor.
Please do not stop taking Isoniazid suddenly without consulting your doctor as it may cause withdrawal symptoms such as irritation, nervousness, difficulty in sleeping, headache or having more dreams. Therefore, take Isoniazid for as long as your doctor has prescribed it, and if you experience any difficulty while taking Isoniazid, please consult your doctor.
Isoniazid is not recommended for patients suffering from fits as it may increase the risk of recurring fits. Therefore, it is advised to inform your doctor if you have a history of fits before taking Isoniazid.
