Isoniazid - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Isoniazid is an antibiotic drug to treat tuberculosis (TB). In the treatment of tuberculosis, isoniazid can be combined with other antibiotics,ethambutol, pyrazinamidee, or rifampicin.

In addition, isoniazid is also used in the treatment of latent (undeveloped) TB infection. This condition can be experienced by someone with a history of close contact with people with active tuberculosis, people with positive tuberculin skin test results, people with HIV/AIDS, or people with pulmonary fibrosis.

Isoniazid works by stopping the growth of bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis cause of tuberculosis.

Merek trade isoniazid: Bacbutinh, Erabutol Plus, Inadoxin Forte, Inha, INH-CIBA, Inoxin, Isoniazid, Meditam-6, Metham, Pehadoxin Forte, Pulna Forte, Pro TB, Pyravit, Rifanh, Rifastar, Rimactazid 450/300, Rimcure Paed, Suprazid, TB Vitamin 6

What is Isoniazid

groupPrescription drugs
CategoryAntituberculosis
BenefitTreating and preventing tuberculosis
Used byAdults and children
Isoniazid for pregnant and lactating womenCategory C:Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.

Isoniazid is absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor.

Drug formTablets and syrup

Precautions Before Taking Isoniazid

Isoniazid should not be used carelessly. Before taking isoniazid, you need to pay attention to the following:

  • Do not take isoniazid if you have an allergy to this drug.
  • Tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have or are currently suffering from liver disease, kidney disease, peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, seizures, psychosis, or alcoholism.
  • Do not consume alcoholic beverages while undergoing treatment with isoniazid because it can increase the risk of impaired liver function.
  • Tell your doctor if you plan to get vaccinated with a live vaccine, such as the cholera vaccine, while you are taking isoniazid. This is because this drug can decrease the effectiveness of the vaccine given.
  • Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements and herbal products.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
  • See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking isoniazid.

Dosage and Dosage of Isoniazid

The dose of isoniazid that your doctor prescribes can be different for each patient. The following is the dosage of isoniazid based on the patient's age:

  • Mature:5 mg/kg up to 300 mg per day, once daily. Can also be given 15 mg/kgBW up to 900 mg per day, 2-3 times a week.
  • Children: 10-15 mg/kg up to 300 mg daily, once daily. It can also be given 20–40 mg, up to 900 mg per day, 2-3 times a week.

Method Consumingisoniazid withRight

Follow your doctor's advice and read the information listed on the drug packaging label before taking isoniazid.

Isoniazid should be taken on an empty stomach, i.e. 1 hour before eating or 2 hours after eating.

If using isoniazid in the form of a syrup, use the special measuring spoon of the drug that came in the package. Do not use another spoon, as the dosage may be incorrect.

Make sure that there is sufficient time between one dose and the next. If isoniazid is taken daily, try to always take isoniazid at the same time each day. If isoniazid is taken weekly, try to take isoniazid on the same day.

If you forget to take isoniazid, it is advisable to do it as soon as you remember if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.

Do not stop using isoniazid even if your symptoms have subsided, unless advised by your doctor. Stopping the drug too soon can cause the infection to reappear and become difficult to treat.

Perform liver function checks regularly while using isoniazid, so that doctors can find out early if liver function disorders occur.

Your doctor may give you additional vitamin B6 while taking isoniazid. This is done to prevent the emergence of side effects in the form of peripheral nerve disorders.

Store isoniazid at room temperature and in a closed container to avoid exposure to sunlight, and out of reach of children.

Isoniazid Interaction with Other Drugs

Drug interactions that can occur if isoniazid is used together with other drugs are:

  • Inhibits metabolism of anticonvulsant drugs, benzodiazepines, chlorzoxazone, disulfiram, or theophylline
  • Increase the concentration or level of warfarin, clofazimine, or cycloserine
  • Decreases absorption of isoniazid when used with antacids containing aluminum hydroxide
  • Increased risk of peripheral neuropathy when used with stavudine or zalcitabine

In addition, taking isoniazid along with foods that contain tyramine, such as cheese or red wine, can also increase the risk of high blood pressure, headaches, palpitations, or dizziness.

Isoniazid Side Effects and Dangers

Some of the side effects that may occur after using isoniazid are:

  • Nauseous
  • Throw up
  • Stomach ache
  • Dizzy
  • Weak
  • No appetite
  • Diarrhea

Consult a doctor if the above side effects do not subside immediately or get worse. You need to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:

  • Fever
  • Blurred vision or sore eyes
  • Sore throat
  • Tingling in the hands or feet or swelling in the joints
  • Seizures
  • Easy bruising
  • Mood swings
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Liver inflammation or hepatitis