Isoniazid (INH)
Isoniazid is a primary antituberculosis medication. It is highly specific for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, inhibiting the synthesis of mycolic acids required for the bacterial cell wall. It must be used in combination with other antituberculosis drugs for active disease to prevent resistance.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosage is calculated based on body weight, typically 10-15 mg/kg per day for pediatric patients (up to 300 mg daily). Concomitant administration of Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) at 10-50 mg daily is recommended to prevent peripheral neuropathy.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 10-15 mg/kg daily
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Consult a pediatric specialist; exact liquid dosing is required.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 50 mg to 75 mg daily
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Administered using oral syrup formulation. Monitor liver enzymes.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 100 mg daily
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Equivalent to one 100 mg tablet or 10 mL of 50 mg/5mL syrup.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 150 mg daily
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Equivalent to 1.5 tablets of 100 mg. Administer on an empty stomach.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 200 mg daily
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Equivalent to two 100 mg tablets. Vitamin B6 co-administration is advised.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 10-15 mg/kg daily | Once daily | Consult a pediatric specialist; exact liquid dosing is required. |
| 5-7 kg | 50 mg to 75 mg daily | Once daily | Administered using oral syrup formulation. Monitor liver enzymes. |
| 8-10 kg | 100 mg daily | Once daily | Equivalent to one 100 mg tablet or 10 mL of 50 mg/5mL syrup. |
| 11-15 kg | 150 mg daily | Once daily | Equivalent to 1.5 tablets of 100 mg. Administer on an empty stomach. |
| 16-20 kg | 200 mg daily | Once daily | Equivalent to two 100 mg tablets. Vitamin B6 co-administration is advised. |
Formulation
Purpose
Treatment of active tuberculosis (TB) infections in combination with other agents, and prophylaxis (prevention) of latent TB infection.
Generic Name
IsoniazidBranded Drug Names
Isoniazid (INH) is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.