Drug Interactions between isoniazid and phenytoin

Food can decrease the levels of isoniazid in your body. Taking isoniazid on an empty stomach (at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after a meal) will make it easier for your body to absorb the medication. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking isoniazid because alcohol use may increase the risk of damage to your liver and your risk of experiencing a condition known as peripheral neuropathy (i.E., weakness, numbness, and pain typically in the hands and feet). Your doctor may advise you to take a vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) supplement during your treatment to help prevent peripheral neuropathy. Isoniazid may interact with foods containing histamine or tyramine (e.G., aged cheese, cured meats such as sausages and salami, fava beans, sauerkraut, soy sauce, beer, red wine, skipjack, tuna, mackerel, salmon), which can cause symptoms like headache, sweating, flushing, palpitations, dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint. These foods should generally be avoided. It is important to seek immediate medical care if you experience any severe side effects or symptoms of liver damage such as fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dark colored urine, and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Phenytoin levels may decrease when the suspension is given with enteral feedings. This could lead to a loss of seizure control. You could interrupt the feeding for 2 hours before and after the phenytoin dose. Alternatively, you may give the phenytoin suspension diluted in water and flush the tube with water after administration. These would make it easier for your body to absorb the medication. However, this still may not entirely avoid the interaction and may not always be feasible. You should have your phenytoin levels checked upon starting and stopping of enteral feedings. In addition, using phenytoin together with food may alter the effects of phenytoin. Contact your doctor if you experience worsening of seizure control or symptoms of toxicity, including twitching eye movements, slurred speech, loss of balance, tremor, muscle stiffness or weakness, nausea, vomiting, feeling light-headed, fainting, and slow or shallow breathing. If your doctor does prescribe these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment or special test to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Ask your doctor before making any changes to your therapy.

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