Isoniazid in Tuberculous Psychotic Patients

Abstract

WHEN isoniazid (iso-nicotinic acid hydrazide) was first introduced in the treatment of tuberculosis, it was noted that, in contrast to other antituberculosis drugs, it was of low toxicity. Such toxic manifestations as were observed in the early days of its use (involuntary twitching, hyperreflexia, irritability, transient loss of memory, constipation, vertigo, insomnia and difficulty in starting the urinary stream) were transitory and mild, even with the continued use of the drug, and little clinical significance was attached to them. However, with more patients receiving the drug and with increases in dosage, it became apparent that isoniazid could have serious toxic . . .