Which of the following is a recommended strategy to minimize side effects of INH?

Regular monitoring of symptoms is a crucial strategy to minimize the side effects of isoniazid (INH). This approach allows healthcare providers to detect any adverse reactions early and address them promptly, thus improving patient safety and treatment adherence. By closely tracking the patient’s response to the medication, practitioners can adjust dosages or provide supportive measures to mitigate side effects without discontinuing the medication altogether.

For instance, INH can cause side effects such as hepatotoxicity and peripheral neuropathy, which can be identified through regular clinical assessments and laboratory tests. This proactive monitoring enables healthcare providers to counsel patients effectively and make informed decisions regarding their treatment plan as needed.

Other strategies, such as switching medications immediately or only administering the drug at bedtime, do not provide the same level of ongoing observation and assessment that regular monitoring offers. Additionally, increasing the initial dose could potentially exacerbate side effects, especially if the patient is sensitive to the medication. Therefore, maintaining a continuous assessment of the patient's symptoms throughout the treatment regimen is essential in managing and minimizing side effects effectively.