Isoniazid+ethambutol
About Isoniazid+ethambutol
Isoniazid+ethambutol belongs to the group of medications called ‘antituberculosis agents’ primarily used in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). Tuberculosis is an infectious bacterial disease that mainly affects the lungs, but it can also spread to other body parts such as kidneys, brain, spine and bone marrow. Isoniazid+ethambutol does not work against infections caused by the virus.
Isoniazid+ethambutol contains Isoniazid and Ethambutol. They are bacteriostatic agents (stop the growth of bacteria) and have a similar mode of action. They work by preventing mycolic acid production (an enzyme produced by bacteria) essential for cell wall formation (protective coating). Thereby, bacteria get killed without a cell wall and burst due to disruption in their metabolism.
Take Isoniazid+ethambutol exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Isoniazid+ethambutol may cause side effects such as weakness, malaise (general discomfort), fatigue (feeling tired), loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dark urine, pale stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes) and vision problems. Inform your doctor immediately if any of these side effects persist or get worse.
It is not recommended to take Isoniazid+ethambutol if you are allergic to any contents of it. Isoniazid+ethambutol is not recommended for patients with severe liver problems and sight problems. Before taking Isoniazid+ethambutol, inform your doctor if you have kidney problems, epilepsy (fits), diabetes, alcohol abuse, psychosis, malnourishment, HIV infection, and extra-pulmonary TB (TB infection outside the lungs). Isoniazid+ethambutol should be used with caution in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Dose adjustments may be required in children and elderly people. Isoniazid+ethambutol may interact with alcohol and increase the risk of liver damage. Isoniazid+ethambutol may cause dizziness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
Uses of Isoniazid+ethambutol
Medicinal Benefits
Isoniazid+ethambutol contains Isoniazid and Ethambutol, which is a fixed-dose combination used to treat tuberculosis (TB). Combination therapy reduces the development of drug resistance (reduction in the effectiveness of medication) as the bacteria causing TB develops drug resistance easily when monotherapy is given even for shorter periods. Isoniazid+ethambutol helps to reduce the symptoms and control the disease effectively.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Isoniazid+ethambutol
- Weakness
- Malaise (general discomfort)
- Fatigue (feeling tired)
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes)
- Vision problems
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Tuberculosis (TB): It is an infectious bacterial disease that affects the lungs, but it could also spread to other body parts such as kidneys, brain, spine, and bone marrow. Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria named Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is a contagious disease that can spread to others through small droplets released into the air by a person suffering from tuberculosis. Symptoms include a cough that lasts for a few weeks, pain while coughing or normal breathing, unexplained fatigue, fever, night sweats, and loss of appetite, and weight. People who smoke or consume alcohol, and people diagnosed with HIV and immune system problems are more likely at risk of developing active TB.
FAQs
Isoniazid+ethambutol contains Isoniazid and Ethambutol. They are bacteriostatic agents (stop the growth of bacteria) and have a similar mode of action. They work by preventing mycolic acid production (an enzyme produced by bacteria) essential for cell wall formation (protective coating, which is necessary for bacteria's survival).
It is advised to take Isoniazid+ethambutol on an empty stomach. So, you should take this medicine at least 30 minutes before a meal or after 2 hours of taking a meal for better absorption.
You are recommended to avoid foods and drinks containing histamine or tyramine such as cured meat, matured cheese, soya, fish such as tuna, salmon and mackerel, wine and beer as they may interact with Isoniazid+ethambutol and cause adverse effects such as sweating, headache, dizziness, flushing (reddening of the skin) and uneven heartbeat.
Isoniazid+ethambutol may cause side-effects such as weakness, malaise (general discomfort), fatigue (feeling tired), loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dark urine, pale stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes) and vision problems. Inform your doctor immediately if any of these side-effects persist or get worse.
Isoniazid+ethambutol may affect liver function, so it is not prescribed in patients with severe liver problems and alcohol abuse unless clinically needed. Also, do not consume excessive amounts of alcohol while using Isoniazid+ethambutol as it may increase the risk of liver damage.
Yes, ethambutol in Isoniazid+ethambutol may rarely cause vision problems like blurred/decreased vision, color blindness. Consult your doctor immediately if there is a problem in vision.
