Pill of the Month

June 2008-Isoniazid

Isoniazid, INH
Brand Names: Nydrazid, Laniazid

Uses:
INH is used to prevent active tuberculosis in persons who have an abnormal skin test for tuberculosis or in combination with other drugs for the treatment of active tuberculosis.

Mechanisms:
The mechanism of action of INH is not known, but it is thought to work through its effects on lipids (fats) and DNA within the tuberculosis bacterium. It is very selective for the tuberculosis bacteria, that is, it has few if any effects on other bacteria.

Side Effects:
When INH is broken down by the liver, one of the products is acetylhydrazine, a potent toxin for the liver. When taken over a long period of time at standard doses, INH can cause important and even fatal liver injury (hepatitis) in approximately 1 out of every 100 patients. Elevated blood liver tests occur in between 1 in 20 and 1 in 10 patients. There seems to be an increased risk of fatal hepatitis among women, particularly African-American and Hispanic women. The risk also may be increased during postpartum or immediately after pregnancy.


Reference: http://www.medicinenet.com/isoniazid_inh/article.htm