Isoniazid is a medication used to treat tuberculosis (TB). It works by killing the bacteria that causes TB. Isoniazid is often used in combination with other medications to treat TB and prevent the spread of the disease.

In addition to treating active TB, isoniazid can also be used to prevent TB infection in people who are at high risk of developing the disease. This includes people who have been in close contact with someone who has TB, people who have HIV/AIDS, and people who have had a positive TB skin test but have not yet developed active TB.

Isoniazid is usually taken by mouth once a day, and it is important to take the medication as directed by your doctor. Side effects of isoniazid can include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, and liver problems, among others. If you experience any side effects while taking isoniazid, you should contact your doctor.

Usage

soniazid is a medication primarily used to treat tuberculosis (TB) and to prevent the development of active TB in people who have been exposed to the disease. It works by killing or stopping the growth of the bacteria that cause TB.

Isoniazid is usually taken orally, either on an empty stomach or with food, once a day or as directed by a healthcare provider. The dosage and duration of treatment may vary depending on the condition being treated and other factors such as age, weight, and medical history.

In addition to treating TB, isoniazid may also be used to treat latent TB infection, which is when a person has been infected with TB but does not have active symptoms. This can help prevent the development of active TB in the future.

Dosage

The dosage of isoniazid can vary depending on the age, weight, and medical condition of the patient. The usual adult dose for isoniazid is 300mg daily by mouth.

For children, the dosage is usually based on body weight. The recommended dose is 10 to 15 mg/kg/day (up to a maximum of 300 mg) by mouth.

Side effects

Like any medication, isoniazid can cause side effects. Some common side effects of isoniazid include:

1. Nausea and vomiting

2. Dizziness

3. Headache

4. Rash or itching

5. Fever or chills

6. Abdominal pain

7. Loss of appetite

8. Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet (peripheral neuropathy)

9. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Less commonly, isoniazid can cause more serious side effects, such as liver damage, blood disorders, or severe allergic reactions. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms of liver problems, such as dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or abdominal pain; or symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Precaution

Isoniazid is a powerful antibiotic medication that is used to treat tuberculosis. While it is generally safe and effective, there are some precautions that should be taken when using this medication. Some important precautions include:

1. Liver Disease: Isoniazid can cause liver damage. Therefore, it should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing liver disease or those who have a history of alcohol abuse.

2. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Isoniazid should be used with caution in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Although the medication is generally safe, there is limited information on its safety in pregnant and breastfeeding women.

3. Peripheral neuropathy: Isoniazid can cause peripheral neuropathy, a condition that affects the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. This can cause symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet. Patients should report any symptoms of peripheral neuropathy to their healthcare provider immediately.

4. Drug interactions: Isoniazid can interact with other medications, including anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, and some antidepressants. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all medications they are taking before starting isoniazid.

5. Resistance: Overuse of isoniazid can lead to the development of antibiotic resistance, which can make the medication less effective in treating tuberculosis. Therefore, it is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed and to complete the full course of treatment.

Overdose

An overdose of isoniazid can be very dangerous and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an isoniazid overdose can include:

1. Nausea and vomiting

2. Seizures

3. Confusion or disorientation

4. Dizziness or fainting

5. Blurred vision or other changes in vision

6. Uncontrollable muscle movements or tremors

7. Difficulty breathing

8. Rapid heart rate

If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of isoniazid, call your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department right away.

Treatment for an isoniazid overdose may include medications to control seizures or tremors, breathing support, and other supportive measures as needed. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required for monitoring and treatment.

Interactions

Isoniazid is a medication that is primarily used to treat tuberculosis. It works by inhibiting the growth of the bacteria that cause tuberculosis.

There are several important interactions that can occur with isoniazid, including:

1. Alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking isoniazid can increase the risk of liver damage.

2. Other medications: Isoniazid can interact with other medications, including some anticonvulsants, antihistamines, and antidepressants. It is important to inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are taking to avoid any potential interactions.

3. Vitamin B6: Long-term use of isoniazid can cause a deficiency in vitamin B6, which can lead to peripheral neuropathy. Taking a vitamin B6 supplement can help prevent this deficiency.

4. HIV medications: Isoniazid can interact with some HIV medications, so it is important to inform your healthcare provider if you have HIV or are taking any HIV medications.

5. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Isoniazid is generally safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but it is important to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any medications.

Mechanism

Isoniazid is a medication that is primarily used to treat tuberculosis. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of mycolic acid, which is an essential component of the cell wall of the bacteria that cause tuberculosis.

More specifically, isoniazid inhibits the enzyme called enoyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) reductase, which is involved in the synthesis of mycolic acid. By inhibiting this enzyme, isoniazid prevents the formation of the mycolic acid layer in the bacterial cell wall, which leads to the death of the bacteria.

In addition to its effects on mycolic acid synthesis, isoniazid also has other mechanisms of action. It can penetrate bacterial cells and inhibit the activity of various enzymes and metabolic pathways, which further contributes to its antibacterial effects.

Isoniazid is a prodrug, which means that it is converted into an active form (isonicotinic acid hydrazide) by the enzyme catalase-peroxidase (KatG) that is produced by the bacteria that cause tuberculosis. This conversion is necessary for isoniazid to exert its antibacterial effects.

Overall, isoniazid's ability to inhibit mycolic acid synthesis and penetrate bacterial cells, along with its prodrug nature, contribute to its efficacy in the treatment of tuberculosis.

Disclaimer

It is important to talk to a healthcare provider or pharmacist about all medications and supplements being taken, to determine whether any interactions may occ