Drug Name

Isoniazid

Drug Uses

Isoniazid prevents tuberculous bacteria from multiplying in the body. Isoniazid is used to treat and to prevent tuberculosis (TB).

How Taken

Use Isoniazid as directed by your doctor.

• Take Isoniazid by mouth with or without food.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Isoniazid.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Isoniazid is an antibacterial and anti-TB combination. It works by killing TB organisms.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Isoniazid and are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Isoniazid between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Isoniazid out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Isoniazid if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Isoniazid or have had severe side effects from Isoniazid, such as drug fever, chills, or arthritis;
• you have severe liver damage, active liver disease, or liver disease from previous use of Isoniazid.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important :

• Check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while taking Isoniazid. Alcohol may increase the risk of liver problems.
• Eating foods high in tyramine (e.g., aged cheeses, red wines, beer, certain meats and sausages, liver, sour cream, soy sauce, raisins, bananas, avocados) while you use Isoniazid may cause severe high blood pressure. Do not eat foods high in tyramine while you take Isoniazid. Ask your health care provider for a complete list of foods you should avoid. Seek medical attention at once if symptoms of severe high blood pressure occur. These may include severe headache, fast or irregular heartbeat, sore or stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, sweating, enlarged pupils, or sensitivity to light.
• Isoniazid only works against TB bacteria; it does not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold).
• Be sure to use Isoniazid for the full course of treatment. If you do not, the medicine may not clear up your infection completely. The bacteria could also become less sensitive to this or other medicines. This could make the infection harder to treat in the future.
• Contact your doctor right away if stomach pain or cramps, severe diarrhea, or bloody stools occur. Do not treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor.
• Diabetes patients - Isoniazid may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Lab tests, including liver function, may be performed while you use Isoniazid. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Isoniazid while you are pregnant. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Isoniazid, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Mild stomach upset.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; changes in vision; chills or fever; dark urine; general feeling of discomfort; joint pain or swelling; loss of appetite; memory problems; mental or mood changes; nausea; seizures; severe diarrhea; stomach pain; tingling or numbness in the hands or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness; vomiting; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

If you have any questions about Isoniazid, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Isoniazid is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.