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Isoniazid description. Isoniazid (eye-soe-NYE-a-zid) is used to treat tuberculosis (TB) or prevent its return (reactivation). It may be given alone, or in combination with other medicines, to treat TB or to prevent its return (reactivation). Isoniazid may also be used for other problems as determined by your doctor. Isoniazid may cause some serious side effects, including damage to the liver. Liver damage is more likely to occur in patients over 50 years of age. You and your doctor should talk about the good Isoniazid will do, as well as the risks of taking it. If you are being treated for active tuberculosis (TB): To help clear up your TB infection completely, you must keep taking Isoniazid for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better. This is very important. It is also important that you do not miss any doses. Isoniazid is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms: Oral Syrup (U.S. and Canada) Tablets (U.S. and Canada) Parenteral Injection (U.S.)
Why prescribed Isoniazid. 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 (growing) bacteria. Since the bacteria may exist in a resting (nongrowing) state for long periods, therapy with isoniazid (and other antituberculosis drugs) must be continued for a long time (usually 6–12 months). Isoniazid is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. How used Isoniazid. Isoniazid comes as a tablet and a syrup to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day, on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. However, if isoniazid causes an upset stomach, it may be taken with food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take isoniazid exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Brand names: - Isoniazid - Isotamine - Laniazid - Nydrazid - PMS Isoniazid |