Chemical Name: ISONIAZID (eye-soe-NYE-a-zid)
This medicine is an antibacterial used to treat or prevent tuberculosis (TB) infection. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
WARNING: This medicine has caused severe, even fatal, liver problems (e.g., hepatitis). Liver problems increase with age and with daily use of alcohol. Hepatitis can develop with use of this drug at any time during treatment. Stop using this medicine and notify your doctor immediately if you develop unusual fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or stomach or abdominal pain. Your doctor may decide to slowly restart isoniazid after these symptoms disappear and lab tests return to normal. People with active (acute) liver problems should not use this medicine for preventative treatment until after the liver problems have stopped. Your doctor will monitor your liver function tests at least every month to discuss your progress. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking adrenaline-like medicines (e.g., sympathomimetics such as ephedra, pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine), other MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine), serotonin-type medicines (including SSRI antidepressants and "triptans" such as sumatriptan), rifampin, or medicine for seizures. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE ON AN EMPTY STOMACH at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE TAKEN WITH FOOD if it upsets your stomach. DO NOT TAKE ANTACIDS CONTAINING ALUMINUM within 1 hour of taking this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. TO CLEAR UP YOUR INFECTION COMPLETELY, continue taking this medicine for the full course of treatment. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. Periodic eye exams may be done while you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes acetaminophen and medicines containing acetaminophen. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR before drinking alcohol while you are taking this medicine. DO NOT DRIVE, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. WHILE YOU ARE TAKING THIS MEDICINE, EATING FOODS THAT CONTAIN HISTAMINE, such as fish, tuna, sauerkraut, and yeast extract, OR TYRAMINE, such as chianti wines, pickled herring, fermented meats, and some cheeses, may cause flushing, chills, and headaches. Obtain a complete list of these foods from your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES, this medicine may effect your blood sugar. Check blood glucose levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include upset stomach or indigestion. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience tiredness, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, tingling or numbness of hands or feet, muscle or joint pain, or fever. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea; vomiting; dizziness; slurring of speech; blurred vision; numbness, tingling, or burning of your arms, hands, legs, or feet; joint pain; hallucinations; and loss of consciousness.
If your symptoms do not improve within 2 to 3 weeks, or if they become worse, check with your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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