DRUG STUDY

DRUG NAME: Isoniazid (Isonicotinic Acid Hydrazide)

BRAND NAME: Isotamine, Laniazid
Classification: Antiinfective, Antituberculosis agent
Dosage: 5 mg/kg (up to 300 mg) IM or orally once a day,
or 15 mg/kg (up to 900 mg) 2 to 3 times a week for 6
months
Mechanism of Action:
Inhibits mycolic acid synthesis. Causes disruption of bacterial cell wall, loss of acid-fast
properties in susceptible mycobacteria. Active only during bacterial cell division. Therapeutic
Effect: Bactericidal against actively growing intracellular, extracellular susceptible
mycobacteria.
Indications: Treatment of susceptible mycobacterial infection due to Mycobacterium
tuberculosis. Drug of choice in tuberculosis prophylaxis. Used in combination with one or
more other antitubercular agents for treatment of active tuberculosis.
Contraindications:
Contraindications: Acute hepatic disease, history of hypersensitivity reactions, hepatic injury
or severe adverse reactions with previous isoniazid therapy. Cautions: Chronic hepatic disease,
alcoholism, severe renal impairment. May be crosssensitive with nicotinic acid, other
chemically related medications.
Side Effects:
Frequent: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain. Rare: Pain at injection site,
hypersensitivity reaction.
Adverse Effects:
Neurotoxicity (ataxia, paresthesia), optic neuritis, hepatotoxicity occur rarely.
Nursing Responsibilities:
1. Inform to avoid eating tyramine-containing foods (e.g., aged cheeses, smoked fish) as
it may cause palpitation, flushing, and blood pressure elevation.
2. Withhold medication and notify physician if S&S of hepatotoxicity develop (e.g., dark
urine, jaundice, clay-colored stools).
3. Advise to avoid or at least reduce alcohol intake while on isoniazid therapy because of
increased risk of hepatotoxicity.
4. Instruct not to breast feed while taking this drug without consulting physician.
5. Give in an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 after meals; may be given with food if GI
upset occurs.
6. Educate the patient to have periodic medical check-ups, including an eye examination
and blood test, to evaluate the drug effects.
7. Teach the patient to report for weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, n/v, yellowing of
skin or eyes, darkening of the urine, numbness or tingling in hands or feet,
8. Evaluate if the patient has had a previous allergic reaction to the drug
9. Inform to have regular consultations with the doctor and arrange for daily pyridoxine
in diabetic, alcoholic or malnourished patient also for patient that develops peripheral
neuritis, and those with HIV.
10. Ensure that the drug is taken in a single daily dose.