What should patients undergoing INH treatment avoid for optimal care?

For patients undergoing INH (Isoniazid) treatment, avoiding alcohol is crucial for optimal care. Isoniazid is an antibiotic used primarily to treat tuberculosis, and it is metabolized in the liver. Consuming alcohol can significantly increase the risk of liver toxicity, a serious side effect associated with INH. Both INH and alcohol can burden the liver, leading to a higher likelihood of liver damage and elevated liver enzymes, which can manifest as symptoms like jaundice or fatigue.

It is also important to note that while vitamin B6 supplementation may be beneficial to counteract potential side effects of INH (such as peripheral neuropathy) and adequate hydration is generally encouraged for health, neither of these poses the same level of risk as alcohol consumption. Similarly, maintaining regular eating patterns can be important for overall health and to ensure proper medication absorption but does not have the same detrimental interaction with INH as alcohol does.