Drug Interaction Report

Isoniazid may cause liver problems and using it with other medications that can also affect the liver, such as clarithromycin, may increase that risk. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Your doctor may already be aware of the risks but has determined that this is the best course of treatment for you, has taken appropriate precautions, and is monitoring you closely for any potential complications. If you develop severe liver problems, you may need a dose adjustment or an interruption in therapy. Call your doctor immediately if you have fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark colored urine, light colored stools, and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes, as these may be signs and symptoms of liver damage. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. 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.

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.

Information for this minor interaction is available on the professional version.