Isoniazid or INH. Isoniazid is an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis or prevent its reactivation. It can be used alone or combined with other anti-tubercular medications. It inhibits the synthesis of mycolic acids, which is a fatty acid essential for survival of mycobacterium. Patients education.
Hepatotoxicity or liver damage is a major side effect of isoniazid. Educate patients to monitor for and report signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity. They include jaundice or yellowing of the skin and sclera, vomiting, dark urine, and fatigue. Avoid use of alcohol and other hepatotoxic medications. Peripheral neuropathy is another common side effect because isoniazid interferes with metabolism of vitamin B6 and results in tingling and numbness in the hands and feet.
Patientss can take pyridoxine, which is a vitamin B6 supplement. to prevent neuropathy. Other side effects patients need to be educated on include to monitor blood glucose in those with diabetes mellitus as isoniazid can impair the release and action of insulin, leading to hyperglycemia. Monitor for changes in vision and dizziness. Isoniazid may increase the risk of toxicity of carbamazepine and phenytoin, which are both anti-seizure medications.
Avoid aluminum-containing antacids such as malox within one hour of taking isoniazid as it interferes with its absorption. Give one hour before or two hours after a meal, because food may delay absorption.