Isoniazid+ethambutol
About
Isoniazid+ethambutol belongs to the group of medications called ‘antituberculosis agents’ primarily used in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). Tuberculosis is an infectious bacterial disease that mainly affects the lungs, but it can also spread to other body parts such as kidneys, brain, spine and bone marrow. Isoniazid+ethambutol does not work against infections caused by the virus.
Isoniazid+ethambutol contains Isoniazid and Ethambutol. They are bacteriostatic agents (stop the growth of bacteria) and have a similar mode of action. They work by preventing mycolic acid production (an enzyme produced by bacteria) essential for cell wall formation (protective coating). Thereby, bacteria get killed without a cell wall and burst due to disruption in their metabolism.
Take Isoniazid+ethambutol exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Isoniazid+ethambutol may cause side effects such as weakness, malaise (general discomfort), fatigue (feeling tired), loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dark urine, pale stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes) and vision problems. Inform your doctor immediately if any of these side effects persist or get worse.
It is not recommended to take Isoniazid+ethambutol if you are allergic to any contents of it. Isoniazid+ethambutol is not recommended for patients with severe liver problems and sight problems. Before taking Isoniazid+ethambutol, inform your doctor if you have kidney problems, epilepsy (fits), diabetes, alcohol abuse, psychosis, malnourishment, HIV infection, and extra-pulmonary TB (TB infection outside the lungs). Isoniazid+ethambutol should be used with caution in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Dose adjustments may be required in children and elderly people. Isoniazid+ethambutol may interact with alcohol and increase the risk of liver damage. Isoniazid+ethambutol may cause dizziness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
Uses of Isoniazid+ethambutol
Medicinal Benefits
Isoniazid+ethambutol contains Isoniazid and Ethambutol, which is a fixed-dose combination used to treat tuberculosis (TB). Combination therapy reduces the development of drug resistance (reduction in the effectiveness of medication) as the bacteria causing TB develops drug resistance easily when monotherapy is given even for shorter periods. Isoniazid+ethambutol helps to reduce the symptoms and control the disease effectively.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Isoniazid+ethambutol
- Weakness
- Malaise (general discomfort)
- Fatigue (feeling tired)
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes)
- Vision problems
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
It is advised to get your eyesight checked before taking Isoniazid+ethambutol. If you notice any changes in your vision while using this medicine, stop taking this medicine and immediately inform your doctor. In most cases, the vision change is temporary and sight returns to normal. However, it might take a longer time for eyesight to recover in some cases or the change might be permanent. If you develop jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or malaise, inform your doctor immediately, as these effects may be a sign of hepatitis (liver disease). In these cases, the doctor may advise you to undergo liver function tests and provide the necessary treatment.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Isoniazid+ethambutol may interact with antacid (aluminium hydroxide), anti-HIV drug (stavudine), medicines used to treat fits (carbamazepine, phenytoin, and primidone), a medicine used to treat alcoholism (disulfiram), other antitubercular drugs (rifampicin and para-aminosalicylic acid), an anti-anxiety medication (diazepam), a medicine used to treat Parkinson’s disease (levodopa), and antifungal drugs (itraconazole and ketoconazole).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid alcohol consumption with Isoniazid+ethambutol as it may increase the risk of liver damage. Avoid foods and drinks containing histamine or tyramine such as cured meat, matured cheese, soya, fish such as tuna, salmon, mackerel, wine and beer while taking Isoniazid+ethambutol. The interaction of Isoniazid+ethambutol with these foods may result in dizziness, headache, uneven heartbeat and flushing (reddening of the skin).
Drug-Disease Interactions: Isoniazid+ethambutol is not recommended for use in patients with severe liver problems and eyesight problems. It should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems, epilepsy (fits), diabetes, alcohol abuse, psychosis, malnourishment, HIV infection and extra-pulmonary TB (TB infection outside the lungs).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionConsumption of alcohol may increase the risk of side-effects and worsen the condition.
Pregnancy
cautionIsoniazid+ethambutol should be used with caution in pregnant women. It is given to pregnant women only if clinically needed when the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIsoniazid+ethambutol should be used with caution in breastfeeding mothers. It is given to breastfeeding mothers only when the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionIsoniazid+ethambutol may cause dizziness in some people. So, do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you are not fully alert.
Liver
cautionIsoniazid+ethambutol is not recommended for patients with severe liver problems. In mild to moderate liver diseases, the dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionIsoniazid+ethambutol should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
cautionIsoniazid+ethambutol should be used with caution in children. The dose may have to be adjusted based on age, body weight and healthy history of the child.
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 improve the immune system.
- Avoid processed and fried foods.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids.
- Warm ginger tea or warm soup can help in providing relief from cough.
- Avoid foods and drinks containing histamine or tyramine such as cured meat, matured cheese, soya, and fish such as tuna, salmon, mackerel, wine, and beer.
- Quit smoking and avoid alcohol consumption.
Special Advise
- Patients with kidney problems should undergo kidney function tests before taking Isoniazid+ethambutol.
- Your doctor may monitor liver function and eyesight during the treatment with Isoniazid+ethambutol.
- Please do not stop taking this medicine abruptly as it may lead to withdrawal reactions such as headache, difficulty sleeping, irritability and nervousness.
- Complete the full course of therapy even if you feel better or your symptoms improve.
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 kidneys, brain, spine, and bone marrow. Tuberculosis is caused by 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, and loss of appetite, and weight. People who smoke or consume alcohol, and people diagnosed with HIV and immune system problems are more likely at risk of developing active TB.
FAQs
Isoniazid+ethambutol contains Isoniazid and Ethambutol. They are bacteriostatic agents (stop the growth of bacteria) and have a similar mode of action. They work by preventing mycolic acid production (an enzyme produced by bacteria) essential for cell wall formation (protective coating, which is necessary for bacteria's survival).
It is advised to take Isoniazid+ethambutol on an empty stomach. So, you should take this medicine at least 30 minutes before a meal or after 2 hours of taking a meal for better absorption.
You are recommended to avoid foods and drinks containing histamine or tyramine such as cured meat, matured cheese, soya, fish such as tuna, salmon and mackerel, wine and beer as they may interact with Isoniazid+ethambutol and cause adverse effects such as sweating, headache, dizziness, flushing (reddening of the skin) and uneven heartbeat.
Isoniazid+ethambutol may cause side-effects such as weakness, malaise (general discomfort), fatigue (feeling tired), loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dark urine, pale stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes) and vision problems. Inform your doctor immediately if any of these side-effects persist or get worse.
Isoniazid+ethambutol may affect liver function, so it is not prescribed in patients with severe liver problems and alcohol abuse unless clinically needed. Also, do not consume excessive amounts of alcohol while using Isoniazid+ethambutol as it may increase the risk of liver damage.
Yes, ethambutol in Isoniazid+ethambutol may rarely cause vision problems like blurred/decreased vision, color blindness. Consult your doctor immediately if there is a problem in vision.
