Isoniazid is a drug commonly used to treat tuberculosis. Its spelling may be challenging, but its pronunciation can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable "i" is pronounced as "aɪ", the "s" is "s", the next syllable "o" sounds like "əʊ", followed by "n" which is "n". Finally, the last two syllables are pronounced like "aɪzɪd". Putting it all together, the correct pronunciation of isoniazid is i-son-i-a-zid.
Isoniazid is a noun that refers to a synthetic compound used primarily as an antituberculosis drug. It is classified as an antibiotic and is considered one of the first-line medications for treating tuberculosis (TB) infections. The chemical formula of isoniazid is C6H7N3O, and its molecular weight is approximately 137.14 grams per mole.
The mechanism of action of isoniazid involves inhibiting the synthesis of mycolic acids, which are essential components of the bacterial cell wall in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria responsible for causing tuberculosis. By impairing the production of mycolic acids, isoniazid disrupts the integrity and stability of the bacterial cell wall, ultimately leading to the death of the tuberculosis bacteria.
Isoniazid is typically administered orally as a tablet or a liquid, and it is rapidly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. It is subsequently metabolized by liver enzymes into its active form. The drug is mainly eliminated through urine, and its half-life ranges from one to four hours, depending on the individual.
However, like any medication, isoniazid is not without its side effects and contraindications. Some common adverse effects include liver toxicity, peripheral neuropathy, and drug-induced hepatitis. It may also interact with other medications, such as antiepileptic drugs, leading to reduced effectiveness or increased toxicity. Therefore, it is essential to closely monitor patients undergoing isoniazid treatment and adjust the dosage or switch to alternative medications if necessary.
The word "isoniazid" is derived from the combination of two parts: "Isonicotine" and "Acid".
"Isonicotine" refers to "isonicotinic acid hydrazide", which is a compound used in the development of isoniazid. "Isonicotinic acid" is a derivative of "nicotinic acid", which is related to nicotine. The term "isonicotinic" indicates a slight modification to the structure of nicotinic acid.
"Acid" in the name "isoniazid" is a common suffix used for many organic compounds. It indicates that the substance has acidic properties.
Therefore, the word "isoniazid" combines these two components to describe the compound's chemical structure, indicating its derivative of isonicotine and its acidic properties.