Isoniazid is an antibiotic and works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.

What is the mechanism of action of isoniazid?

Mechanism of action — The antimicrobial activity of INH is selective for mycobacteria, likely due to its ability to inhibit mycolic acid synthesis, which interferes with cell wall synthesis, thereby producing a bactericidal effect [1].

How does isoniazid kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis?

INH is a pro-drug that binds to and inhibits InhA, an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of mycolic acids, an essential mycobacterial cell wall constituent, leading to mycobacterial cell death.