I.N.H. Oral

Isoniazid is used with other medications to treat active tuberculosis (TB) infections. It is also used alone to prevent active TB infections in people who may be infected with the bacteria (people with positive TB skin test). Isoniazid is an antibiotic and works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

How to use I.N.H. Oral
Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals) as directed by your doctor. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
If you also take antacids that contain aluminum, take this medication at least 1 hour before the antacid.
Dosage is based on your age, weight, medical condition, and response to treatment.
Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. If you are taking this medication daily, take it at the same time each day. If you are taking this medication on a weekly schedule, take it on the same day(s) of the week and at the same time each day. Mark the days on the calendar when you need to take the medication.
Continue to take this medication (and other TB medications) until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear. Stopping the medication too early or skipping doses may allow the bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection and cause the infection to be more difficult to treat (resistant).
Your doctor may also direct you to take vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) to help prevent certain side effects (such as nerve problems) from isoniazid. Follow your doctor\'s instructions carefully.
Isoniazid may interact with foods containing tyramine/histamine (such as cheese, red wine, certain types of fish). This interaction may cause increased blood pressure, flushing of the skin, headache, dizziness, or fast/pounding heartbeat. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor may recommend that you follow a special diet while taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

See also Warning section.
Nausea/vomiting or stomach upset may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: numbness/tingling of arms/legs, painful/swollen joints.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: change in the amount of urine, increased thirst/urination, vision changes, easy bruising/bleeding, signs of a new infection (such as fever, persistent sore throat), mental/mood changes (such as confusion, psychosis), seizures.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

See also Warning section.
Before taking isoniazid, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: previous severe reaction from isoniazid (such as liver disease), liver disease, alcohol use, HIV infection, kidney disease, diabetes, numbness/tingling of arms/legs (peripheral neuropathy), recent childbirth.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Alcohol may increase the risk of liver disease. Avoid alcoholic beverages while using this medication.
This product may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as BCG vaccine) not to work as well. Therefore, do not have any immunizations/vaccinations while using this medication without the consent of your doctor.
Liquid forms of this medication may contain sugar. Caution is advised if you have diabetes or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid sugar. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This product passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

See also How to Use section.
The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring.
To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor\'s approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: acetaminophen, certain azole antifungals (itraconazole, ketoconazole), carbamazepine, disulfiram, MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine), phenytoin, SSRI antidepressants (such as fluoxetine, sertraline), theophylline, valproic acid.
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including urine glucose tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist to lessen your risk for serious medication problems.

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: vision changes, slow/shallow breathing, severe drowsiness.

NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as sputum test, kidney/liver function, complete blood count) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE:
For the best possible benefit, it is important to take each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you are taking this medication daily and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
If you are taking this drug on a weekly schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember if it is on the same day. If you remember on the next day or later, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised September 2011. Copyright(c) 2011 First Databank, Inc.