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Isoniazid and Rifampicin are primarily used to treat tuberculosis, which is a serious bacterial infection affecting the lungs. Isoniazid is also used as a preventive measure for those exposed to tuberculosis but not yet showing symptoms. Rifampicin can treat other bacterial infections like leprosy, which is a chronic disease affecting the skin and nerves. Both drugs are essential in the standard treatment regimen for tuberculosis, often used together to effectively combat the disease and prevent the development of drug-resistant strains.
Isoniazid works by inhibiting the synthesis of mycolic acids, which are essential components of the bacterial cell wall, thereby killing the bacteria. Rifampicin works by inhibiting RNA polymerase, which is an enzyme necessary for bacterial RNA synthesis, thus preventing the bacteria from multiplying. Both medicines are effective against the bacteria that cause tuberculosis, but they work in different ways. They are often used together to prevent the bacteria from becoming resistant to treatment.
The usual adult daily dose for Isoniazid is typically 300 mg taken once a day. Rifampicin is usually taken at a dose of 600 mg once a day. Both drugs are taken orally, which means they are swallowed in pill form. They should be taken on an empty stomach, which means one hour before or two hours after a meal, to ensure better absorption. This combination therapy is more effective than using either drug alone.
Isoniazid can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and numbness in the hands and feet, which is called peripheral neuropathy. A significant adverse effect of Isoniazid is liver damage, which can lead to symptoms like yellowing of the skin or eyes, known as jaundice. Rifampicin can cause side effects such as stomach upset, heartburn, and a reddish-orange discoloration of bodily fluids like urine and tears. Both drugs share the risk of liver damage, so regular monitoring of liver function is important.
Isoniazid should be taken with caution in people with liver problems, as it can cause liver damage. It can also interact with certain medications like phenytoin, increasing their levels in the blood. Rifampicin can decrease the effectiveness of many drugs, including oral contraceptives, by speeding up their breakdown in the liver. Both drugs can interact with other medications, so it’s important to inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking. They should not be used by people who are allergic to them.
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