Isoniazid
| Overview |
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- Isoniazid is a mainstay of pharmacological treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis but carries the risk of hepatotoxicity. Treatment is administered with other tuberculosis chemotherapeutics to ensure that resistant strains do not develop.
| Mechanism of Action |
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- Isoniazid inhibits the enzymatic synthesis of mycolic acid in the M. tuberculosis cell wall.
| Adverse Effects |
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- Hepatotoxicity:
- This is an idiosyncratic adverse effect and is potentially fatal. There is increased incidence of hepatotoxicity in alcoholics.
- Peripheral Neuropathy:
- Isoniazid appears to increase urinary excretion of Vitamin B6 and may result in a syndrome of deficiency which manifests primarily as a peripheral neuropathy.