Ethox In

Ethox In Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Ethox In is a brand name. Its generic name is Isoniazid + Ethambutol.

Isoniazid and Ethambutol Introduction

Isoniazid and Ethambutol are drugs of the macrolide family used to treat tuberculosis. They are both bacteriostatic agents, meaning they prevent the growth of bacteria, rather than killing them. Isoniazid and Ethambutol have been used to treat tuberculosis for decades, and are considered the standard treatment for drug-susceptible mycobacteria. Isoniazid is also used to prevent latent tuberculosis in those at high risk for the disease.

Uses for Isoniazid and Ethambutol

Isoniazid and Ethambutol are used to treat active tuberculosis, both pulmonary and extrapulmonary, in athoroughly diagnosed patient who is not infected with a drug resistant strain of mycobacteria. Isoniazid is also often used to prevent latent tuberculosis in patients who have been exposed to the bacteria.

Mechanism of Action

Isoniazid and Ethambutol both work by inhibiting the growth of mycobacteria. Isoniazid blocks the synthesis of mycolic acid, which is a key component of the mycobacterial cell wall. Ethambutol inhibits the synthesis of arabinogalactan, another important component of the cell wall. Isoniazid also has a weak anti-bacterial action.

How Long Does It Take To Work?

Isoniazid and Ethambutol take about one to three weeks to start working, though in some cases it can take up to eight weeks.

Absorption

Isoniazid is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak levels achieved within 4 to 6 hours. Ethambutol is also rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak levels achieved within 3 to 8 hours.

Route of Elimination

Isoniazid and Ethambutol are eliminated primarily by the kidneys. Both have slow elimination half-lives, with isoniazid having a half-life of 2 to 5 hours and ethambutol having a half-life of 5 to 7 hours.

Dosage

The dosage of isoniazid and ethambutol depends on the type, severity and duration of the infection being treated and the patient's age and kidney function. The recommended dose of isoniazid is 10-15 mg/kg daily or 300-900 mg a day, into 1-2 divided doses. The recommended dose of ethambutol is 15-25 mg/kg daily or up to 2.5 g/day in divided doses.

Administration

Isoniazid and ethambutol should be given orally, and should be taken with plenty of fluids. Isoniazid can be taken with or without food, while ethambutol should be taken with food.

Side Effects

Common side effects of isoniazid and ethambutol include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness and rash. Isoniazid may also cause liver toxicity, while ethambutol may cause vision problems.

Toxicity

Isoniazid and ethambutol are both safe and effective drugs when taken at the recommended dosage. However, high doses of either drug can be toxic and can cause side effects and potentially life-threatening reactions. Therefore, it is important to take isoniazid and ethambutol only as directed by a doctor.

Precautions

Isoniazid and ethambutol should be used with caution in patients with liver disease, seizure disorders, kidney disease, allergies, or blood disorders. Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their doctor before taking these medications.

Interactions

Isoniazid and ethambutol may interact with certain other medications, including other tuberculosis medications, aminoglycoside antibiotics, calcium channel blockers, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and theophylline. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including herbs and supplements, to avoid interactions.

Disease Interactions

Isoniazid and ethambutol may interact with certain other diseases and conditions, including anemia, gout, diabetes, schizophrenia, kidney or liver issues, and chronic alcoholism. It is important to tell your doctor about any other health conditions you may have, before taking these medications.

Drug Interaction

Isoniazid and ethambutol may interact with certain other medications, including other tuberculosis drugs, aminoglycoside antibiotics, calcium channel blockers, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and theophylline. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including herbs and supplements, to avoid interactions.

Food Interactions

There are no specific food interactions with isoniazid and ethambutol. It is generally recommended to take isoniazid with plenty of fluids, and ethambutol with food.

Pregnancy Use

Isoniazid and ethambutol should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits of the medication outweigh the risks. Women taking these medications should be monitored closely by their doctor.

Lactation Use

Isoniazid and ethambutol should only be used during lactation if the benefits of the medication outweigh the risks. Women taking these medications should be monitored closely by their doctor.

Acute Overdose

In the event of an acute overdose with isoniazid or ethambutol, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an overdose may include seizures, confusion, difficulty breathing, and coma.

Contraindication

Isoniazid and ethambutol are contraindicated in patients who are allergic to either medication or any of its ingredients. They should also be used with caution in patients with alcohol dependence, as this can increase the risk for liver toxicity.

Use Direction

Isoniazid and ethambutol should be taken as directed by your doctor. It is important to take the medications exactly as prescribed and to take them for the entire course of treatment.

Storage Condition

Isoniazid and ethambutol should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution of isoniazid and ethambutol is not well known.

Half Life

Isoniazid has a half-life of 2 to 5 hours, and ethambutol has a half-life of 5 to 7 hours.

Clearance

Isoniazid and ethambutol are both primarily eliminated by the kidneys.

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