Have you or someone close to you been diagnosed with Tuberculosis (TB) and started treatment for it? If so, you may have heard of the drug 'Isoniazid' (INH). Although the name may sound a bit complicated, don't worry. This is a very important and powerful drug that fights tuberculosis. So, to clear up all your doubts and fears, let's talk about this drug in a simple and clear way today.
What exactly is this medicine called Isoniazid (INH)?
Simply put, Isoniazid is a medicine that is given to treat or prevent tuberculosis (TB). Tuberculosis is a disease caused by bacteria. This medicine works by stopping the growth of the TB bacteria in the body.
Sometimes, this medicine can be used for other reasons as per the doctor's advice. But, always remember, it should be used only as prescribed by the doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting this medication, it is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Your health condition | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | Isoniazid can cause changes in blood sugar levels. |
| HIV status | There may be interactions between HIV treatment and Isoniazid. |
| Frequent drinking of alcohol | The risk of liver damage is very high. |
| Kidney disease | The dose of the medication may need to be changed. |
| Liver disease | This is very important because isoniazid can affect the liver. |
| Malnutrition | The way the medicine works in the body can be affected. |
| Neurological disorders such as numbness in the limbs | This medicine carries a risk of causing peripheral neuropathy. |
| Being pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | You should talk to your doctor about the possible effects on the baby. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods, or things | To find out if you are allergic to Isoniazid or any of its ingredients. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
This is the part you need to be most careful about . To get the most out of the medicine, you need to use it correctly.
- Take on an empty stomach: This is the most important thing. Isoniazid tablets must be taken on an empty stomach. That is, take them at least 30 minutes before a meal or 2 hours after a meal . Do not take this medicine with food. This will reduce the absorption of the medicine into the body.
- With a glass of water: Take the pill with a full glass of water.
- On time: Get into the habit of taking your medicine at about the same time every day.
- Do not skip doses: This is like fighting an enemy. If we stop fighting for a day, the enemy will get stronger again. Similarly, if we miss a dose of medicine, the TB germs can become stronger again and become resistant to the medicine (Drug Resistance). Therefore , do not skip a dose of medicine for any reason.
- Don't stop taking your medication even if you feel better after a few days. It is important to take the medication for the full course of treatment (6 months or more).
What do you 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, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital.
Other medications that may interact with Isoniazid
This is also a very important point. Isoniazid is a drug that can interact with other medications.
Be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you take (medicines for other conditions, painkillers, vitamins, traditional herbs, supplements). Also tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Taking certain medications with Isoniazid can cause serious problems.
- Acetaminophen (such as Panadol): If taken frequently, the effect on the liver may increase.
- Antacids (such as Digene, Aludrox): These reduce the absorption of Isoniazid into the body. Therefore, avoid taking antacids 2 hours before or after taking Isoniazid.
- Diabetes medications: Isoniazid may change the way these medications work.
- Medicines for seizures (such as Carbamazepine, Phenytoin)
- Theophylline (a medicine for asthma)
This list is not complete, so it is important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
What else should I know when taking the medicine?
- Medical tests: Your doctor will check you regularly. He or she will order blood tests (Liver Function Tests - LFTs) to check your liver function. Do not skip these tests and get them done regularly.
- Avoid alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking Isoniazid. The combination of the two can cause serious liver damage.
- Vitamins: This medicine can cause a decrease in the levels of vitamin B6 and vitamin D in the body. To prevent possible effects on the nerves, your doctor will often prescribe you a vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) pill. Do not skip that either. It is also important to eat a nutritious diet.
What side effects might I have?
Like any medicine, Isoniazid can cause side effects in some people. However, not everyone gets them. The important thing is to know what these side effects are and how serious they are.
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Liver-related symptoms | Yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, extreme tiredness, pain in the upper right side of the stomach, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite. |
| Symptoms related to nerves | Numbness, burning, pain, or a tingling sensation in the hands or feet. |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Other serious symptoms | Vision changes, eye pain, fever, seizures, memory problems. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist: | |
| Minor stomach discomfort | Bloating, diarrhea. |
| Other | Headaches, insomnia, breast enlargement or pain. |
How do you keep your medicine safe?
- Keep away from children.
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 Celsius), away from light and moisture, in an airtight container.
- Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Always take Isoniazid (INH) on an empty stomach (before or 2 hours after a meal).
- Take the medicine for the full duration prescribed by your doctor, without skipping any doses . Do not stop treatment even if you feel better.
- Avoid alcohol completely while taking this medicine.
- If you notice any serious side effects such as yellowing of the eyes/skin, dark urine, or numbness in the limbs, contact your doctor immediately.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
- Be sure to take the vitamin B6 pill prescribed by your doctor.
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