Generic INH, Isoniazid

Isoniazid is used in the treatment of tuberculosis (tb).

Isoniazid is known as an antibiotic that fights bacteria. Isoniazid works by killing the bacteria that causes the infection of tuberculosis.

Some of the potential side effects of Isoniazid include the symptoms below;

Peripheral neuropathy,
Increased liver enzymes,
Hepatitis,
Jaundice

Isoniazid is an anti-bacterial drug which is used to treat all forms of tuberculosis. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. To get the most benefit from this medicine, it is advised that you take the prescribed dose at the scheduled time and at evenly spaced intervals.

Isoniazid is indicated to treat patients with ongoing tuberculosis infections, however, it cannot be used alone to treat active forms of tuberculosis. There must be a planned combined therapy for active infections. It is also used to prevent the occurrence of tuberculosis infections in patients who are at an increased risk of developing tuberculosis, for example:-

People who are in close contact with newly discovered tuberculosis infected individuals.
Patients diagnosed with HIV or are at an increased risk of HIV.
Patients with the following medical conditions; diabetes mellitus, end-stage renal disease, or prolonged therapy with adrenocorticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs.

The mechanism of action is that this drug inhibits the synthesis of mycolic acid, an active component of the bacterial cell wall. This inhibits the growth of the bacteria, mycobacterium tuberculosis.

This medicine is available as tablets of 300 mg concentration. The route of administration is oral. The recommended daily dose depends on age, medical condition, drug susceptibility, and body response to the drug. The usual recommended dose, for an adult, is 5 mg/kg up to 300 mg daily as a single dose or 15 mg/kg up to 900 mg in 2 to 3 divided doses. For children, the usual dose is 10-15 mg/kg up to 300 mg/day as a single dose or 20-40 mg/kg up 900 mg/day in 2 to 3 divided doses. The medicine is to be taken on an empty stomach, 1 to 2 hours before meals. Your doctor may also prescribe you Vitamin B6 supplements along with this medicine to prevent the side effects of B6 deficiency.

Inform your doctor before you start taking the medicine if you have any allergy to this drug or to any other substances.
Complete medical history including any liver or kidney disease, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, or HIV infection, along with all the other medicines that you have been kept on should be discussed with the doctor.
It is advised to take the medicine even if the symptoms subside. If you stop taking the medicine before the treatment is complete, then the symptoms may return to be more severe, a more resistant form of tuberculosis.
In case of any severe side effects or allergic reactions, discontinue the drug and seek immediate help from the doctor.

Nausea
Vomiting
Stomach pain
Fatigue
Peripheral neuropathy
Paresthesia of the feet and hands
Weight loss
Bilirubinemia
Bilirubinuria