Isoniazid

Generic Name : Isoniazid

TradeName : Isokin, Isonex, Solonex

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : Isoniazid is used alone or with other drugs to treat tuberculosis (TB) and to prevent it in people who have had contact with tuberculosis bacteria. It eliminates only active or growing bacteria. Since the bacteria may exist in a resting or nongrowing state for long periods, therapy with isoniazid and other antituberculosis drugs must be continued for a long time, usually six to 12 months.

When it is to be taken :
1. Isoniazid usually is taken once a day, preferably on an empty stomach.
2. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully.
3. Isoniazid must be taken regularly to be effective. Take all of the doses prescribed.
4. To avoid missing doses, try to take this medication at the same time yo perform some other regular daily activity, such as brushing your teeth at bedtime.

How it should be taken : Isoniazid comes in the form of tablets and oral liquid. Your prescription lebel tells you how much to take at each dose. You may obtain a specially marked measuring spoon to be sure of an accurate dose of the liquid.

Special Instruction :
1. Do not stop taking isoniazid without consulting your doctor. Stopping the drug can allow your infection to return.
2. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory so that your response to the drug can be evaluated.
3. Once your doctor tells you to stop taking isoniazid, keep all appointments so that your doctor can check that the infection does not return.
4. If you take aluminium hydroxide gel, an antacid, take it at least one hour after taking isoniazid.
5. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if you remember a missed dose near the time you are to take the next one, omit the missed dose and take only your regularly scheduled dose.

Side Effects :
1. Blurred vision, vision problems, eye pain. Contact your doctor. you probably should have your eyes examined.
2. Tingling, prickling, burning, tightness, pulling, and drawing feeling in hands and feet. Contact your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe pyridoxine i.e., vitamin B6 to treat or prevent this problem.
3. Skin rash, fever, swollen glands, fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite. Contact your doctor immediately.

Other Precautions :
1. Before taking isoniazid, tell your doctor if you ever were treated for tuberculosis or had a bad reaction to isoniazid or if you have a history of kidney or liver disease, diabetes, or alcoholism.
2. Tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially aluminium hydroxide gel, disulfiram, and phenytoin.
3. Diabetics should not use Clinitest to test their urine for sugar because isoniazid can cause false results in this test.
4. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions :
1. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children.
2. Store it at room temperature, away from light and excess heat.
3. Do not allow the liquid to freeze