Why is monitoring liver function important during INH therapy?

Monitoring liver function during INH (isoniazid) therapy is crucial primarily to prevent potential hepatotoxicity. INH is known to have the potential to cause liver damage, particularly in patients who may be at higher risk, such as those with pre-existing liver conditions, heavy alcohol use, or those taking other medications that may also affect liver function.

Regular monitoring of liver enzymes, such as AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase), helps healthcare providers identify any signs of liver injury early on. If liver function tests indicate an increase in these enzyme levels, it can signal that the patient may be experiencing toxicity from the medication. This allows for timely intervention, which may include adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or closely monitoring the patient to prevent serious complications from liver damage.

The other options do not relate to the clinical necessity of monitoring liver function in the context of INH therapy. For instance, determining medication costs and reflecting a patient's socioeconomic status are not relevant to the direct monitoring of drug effects on liver health, and claiming that monitoring is unrelated to INH treatment overlooks the significant risk that INH poses to liver function. Hence, the critical focus remains on preventing hepatotoxicity