Drug Fact Sheet

Isoniazid (INH)

 

Classification:

Antimycobacterial

Indication:

Infection with, or disease from mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Dose:

300 mg by mouth everyday (should be given with 25-50 mg of pyridoxine to prevent peripheral neuropathy- a side effect).

Side Effects:

Peripheral neuropathy, nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal distress, elevated kidney function tests, occasionally hepatitis (especially in older patients), agranulocytosis, aplastic or hemolytic anemia, fever, rash, gynecomastia, rheumatic syndromes.  Rarely occurring, CNS effects such as seizures, optic neuritis and encephalopathy.

Use in Pregnancy:

Possible risk to fetus must be weighed against benefit of drug.

Contraindications:

Do not use in clients with acute liver disease; previous history of liver damage from INH.

Drug interactions:

Do not take medication with alcohol (may increase chances of liver problems) or phenytoin (a seizure medication).

Monitoring:

Monitor liver function tests and watch for symptoms of hepatitis.

 

Definitions:

1.      Peripheral neuropathy-a group of symptoms relating to the peripheral nerves. Symptoms may include loss of sensation, muscle weakness, diminished reflexes, pain, numbness and tingling. Other symptoms may include decrease/absence of sweating, increased heart rate, nocturnal diarrhea and orthostatic hypotension (decrease in blood pressure when going from a lying position to a standing or sitting position.

2.      Agranulocytosis-decrease in the number of granulocytes, which aid the body in fighting bacterial infections.

3.      Aplastic or hemolytic anemia-Aplastic is the destruction or absence of bone marrow (which produces cells that form blood and part of the immune system). Hemolytic anemia results from an increase in the destruction of blood cells.

4.      Gynecomastia-excess production of mammary glands in males.

5.      Optic neuritis-inflammation of the nerve in the eye.

6.      Encephalopathy-degenerative disease of the brain.

 

HIV Dent. (1997). Isoniazid: A commonly used medication for HIV & AIDS Patients. [Online]. Available: http://www.Hivdent.org/drugs/ISONIAZID.htm

 

O'Toole, M. (Ed.). (1997). Miller-Keane: Encyclopedia & Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing & Allied Health. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Company.

 

 

Drug Fact Sheet

Ritalin

 

Classification:

Central Nervous System Stimulant.

 

Indication:

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

 

Side Effects:

Side effects may include restlessness, tremor, hyperactivity, insomnia, increase heart rate and/or palpitations, high blood pressure, and anorexia.

 

Use in Pregnancy:

Effects have been shown in animals but data is insufficient in showing risks to pregnant women. The benefit of the medication may outweigh the risks in pregnancy.

 

Contraindications:

Use cautiously in those who may have any of the following: hypersensitivity, hyperexcitable states, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, motor tics or those with psychotic personalities, suicidal or homicidal.

 

Drug interactions:

Other stimulants including caffeine, MAO inhibitors, decongestants, vasoconstrictors, anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, guanethidine, warfarin and pimozide.

 

Monitoring:

Monitor blood pressure and standard blood tests.

 

 

 

Deglin, J., & Vallerand, A. (1997). Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses.  (5th ed.) Philadelphia: F.A. Davis.