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.
Tuberculosis
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.
It is advised to get your eyesight checked before taking ISONIAZID+ETHAMBUTOL. If you notice any changes in your vision while using this medicine, stop taking this medicine and immediately inform your doctor. In most cases, the vision change is temporary and sight returns to normal. However, it might take a longer time for eyesight to recover in some cases or the change might be permanent. If you develop jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or malaise, inform your doctor immediately, as these effects may be a sign of hepatitis (liver disease). In these cases, the doctor may advise you to undergo liver function tests and provide the necessary treatment.
Drug-Drug Interactions: ISONIAZID+ETHAMBUTOL may interact with antacid (aluminium hydroxide), anti-HIV drug (stavudine), medicines used to treat fits (carbamazepine, phenytoin, and primidone), a medicine used to treat alcoholism (disulfiram), other antitubercular drugs (rifampicin and para-aminosalicylic acid), an anti-anxiety medication (diazepam), a medicine used to treat Parkinson’s disease (levodopa), and antifungal drugs (itraconazole and ketoconazole).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid alcohol consumption with ISONIAZID+ETHAMBUTOL as it may increase the risk of liver damage. Avoid foods and drinks containing histamine or tyramine such as cured meat, matured cheese, soya, fish such as tuna, salmon, mackerel, wine and beer while taking ISONIAZID+ETHAMBUTOL. The interaction of ISONIAZID+ETHAMBUTOL with these foods may result in dizziness, headache, uneven heartbeat and flushing (reddening of the skin).
Drug-Disease Interactions: ISONIAZID+ETHAMBUTOL is not recommended for use in patients with severe liver problems and eyesight problems. It should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems, epilepsy (fits), diabetes, alcohol abuse, psychosis, malnourishment, HIV infection and extra-pulmonary TB (TB infection outside the lungs).
Consumption of alcohol may increase the risk of side-effects and worsen the condition.
ISONIAZID+ETHAMBUTOL should be used with caution in pregnant women. It is given to pregnant women only if clinically needed when the benefits outweigh the risks.
ISONIAZID+ETHAMBUTOL should be used with caution in breastfeeding mothers. It is given to breastfeeding mothers only when the benefits outweigh the risks.
ISONIAZID+ETHAMBUTOL may cause dizziness in some people. So, do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you are not fully alert.
ISONIAZID+ETHAMBUTOL is not recommended for patients with severe liver problems. In mild to moderate liver diseases, the dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
ISONIAZID+ETHAMBUTOL should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
ISONIAZID+ETHAMBUTOL should be used with caution in children. The dose may have to be adjusted based on age, body weight and healthy history of the child.
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.