Tuberculosis, or as we all know it, T.B. (TB) is a disease that requires some attention. So, one of the main drugs given for this is Isoniazid, some also call it INH. It is also called Nydrazid in the market. Perhaps you have also been given this drug as a shot. If so, this article will be very important for you. Let's see what you need to know about this drug.
What should I tell the doctor before starting this medication?
Before you start taking Isoniazid, there are a few things you should tell your doctor or nurse. These are some of the conditions that can cause problems when taking this medicine. See if these things apply to you:
- If you have diabetes.
- If you are HIV positive.
- If you are a regular alcohol drinker.
- If you have any kidney disease.
- If you have any liver disease.
- If you have malnutrition, it means your body is not getting enough nutrients.
- If your fingers and toes are numb, or you already have another nerve disorder.
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to this isoniazid medication, another medication, food, food dyes, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
If there is something like this, it is very important to tell the doctor.
How should I use this medicine?
Isoniazid is usually given as an injection into a muscle. This is usually given to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic.
However, sometimes you may need to use this vaccine at home. If so, you will be taught how to prepare it and how to inject it. You must do it exactly as instructed. Take the medicine at the right time, in the right amount. Never take more or less than the amount your doctor tells you.
Even if you feel better, do not reduce or stop taking your medicine until your doctor tells you to. Skipping doses can cause your TB to become resistant to this medicine and other medicines. This means that it will be harder to cure the disease.
Another important thing is to put your used needles and syringes in a sharps container. Never throw them in the trash. If you don't have one, ask your pharmacy or healthcare provider for one.
If you are giving this medicine to children, you should talk to your pediatrician about it. Special care may be needed.
Overdose: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, call the nearest poison control center or hospital emergency room immediately .
Also remember: This medicine is for you only. Do not give it to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (for example, it is only a few hours away), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. If this happens, ask your doctor.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
There are other medications and things that can cause problems when used with this medicine, Isoniazid, meaning there are interactions.
Do not take these with isoniazid:
Do not use these medications if you are taking Isoniazid:
- Entacapone
- Green tea (especially in large quantities)
- Levodopa
- MAOI medications (examples: Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate)
- Procarbazine
- Ranolazine
- Tolcapone
Problems can also occur with this medication:
The following medications can also interact with Isoniazid, so it is important to tell your doctor if you are taking them:
- Acetaminophen (paracetamol as we all know it)
- Alcohol
- Antacids (medicines for stomach inflammation and gastritis)
- Medicines for diabetes
- Medicines for fungal infections (e.g. Ketoconazole, Itraconazole)
- Medicines for conditions such as seizures (e.g. Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Valproic acid)
- Theophylline
- Zalcitabine
This list may not include all possible interactions. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications, herbs, non-prescription drugs, vitamins, and dietary supplements you take. Also tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other illegal drugs. Some of these things can interact with this medicine.
Things to be careful about when taking this medicine
There are a few things you should be especially careful about when taking this medicine:
- See your doctor regularly for regular check-ups. Your doctor will order regular blood work. This is very important.
- While taking this medication, you may be asked to take vitamin supplements, especially vitamin B6. Talk to your doctor about the foods you eat and the types of vitamins you take.
- Alcohol can seriously interfere with the effectiveness of this medicine and can also damage the liver. Therefore, avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medicine. This is a very important tip.
- If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar regularly as your doctor tells you to. Also, tests that check for sugar in your urine can sometimes give a false-positive result. Talk to your doctor about this.
- This medication may decrease your levels of Vitamin D and Vitamin B6. Therefore, you should make sure you are getting enough of these vitamins while taking this medication. In addition to eating a balanced diet, talk to your healthcare professional about taking vitamin supplements if necessary.
Side effects that may occur due to this medicine
Like any medicine, Isoniazid can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, so you should tell your doctor right away. Some are not so serious, but if they are bothersome, you should tell your doctor.
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience these side effects:
If you experience any of these symptoms, tell your doctor or healthcare professional as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions: Skin rash, hives, severe itching, swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat, difficulty breathing.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Vision changes: blurred vision, eye pain.
- Dark colored urine (like the color of tea).
- Fever, sore throat, body aches (these may be signs of an infection).
- Hallucinations, or a feeling of loss of consciousness.
- Loss of appetite, weight loss.
- Memory problems, difficulty concentrating.
- Nausea, vomiting (especially if persistent).
- Pain, numbness, tingling, and loss of sensation in the limbs (these may be effects on the nerves - peripheral neuropathy).
- Redness of the skin, blistering, peeling of the skin, and similar sores inside the mouth.
- Symptoms of epilepsy (Seizures).
- Severe stomach pain.
- Unusual bleeding (e.g. nosebleeds, bleeding gums) or bruising of the skin .
- Feeling unusually tired and exhausted.
- Yellowing of the eyes and skin (Jaundice): These can be dangerous signs of liver problems.
Tell your doctor if these side effects persist or are bothersome:
These side effects are usually not serious. However, if they persist or are bothersome enough to prevent you from performing your daily activities, tell your doctor:
- Enlargement or pain of male breasts (Gynecomastia).
- Diarrhea.
- Headache.
- Like soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site.
- It's like an upset stomach, indigestion.
- Insomnia, restlessness.
This list may not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual or uncomfortable in addition to these, don't hesitate to ask your doctor about it.
How do I store this medicine?
This medicine should be kept in a safe place out of the reach of children.
If you are using this medicine at home, you will be clearly instructed on how to store it properly (e.g., at room temperature, away from light and moisture). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.
The most important things to keep in mind
Tuberculosis is a curable disease if treated properly. So, Isoniazid (INH) is a very important medicine given for this.
- Use the medicine exactly as your doctor tells you, for the duration of the treatment. Do not skip doses or stop taking it without your doctor's advice, even if you feel better.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications you take, any other illnesses you have, and your habits (especially alcohol use).
- Be aware of side effects. If you have any problems or feel anything unusual, don't be afraid to ask your doctor.
- Go to clinics on scheduled dates and get tested.
- Avoid alcohol completely.
Your support is very important to fully cure this disease! If you have any questions, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
` Tuberculosis, Isoniazid, INH, TB, TB medicine, INH vaccine, side effects
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