Isoniazide and the Night Shift

[newnursewithquestion]

Hi All,

I am a new RN that was exposed to TB during nursing school. I do not have TB, but have a positive PPD. My doctor wants me to take prophylactic Isoniazide for 8 months so that I am no longer at risk of developing TB one day. My concern is that every source I have read states that Isoniazide interacts with caffeine. My problem is that: I will be working the night shift soon and do not know HOW I can stay awake without caffeine.

I would appreciate any help or suggestions you can give me.

Thank you

[abundantjoy07, RN]

I'm in the exact same boat that you are in. Exposed during nursing school...positive PPD...negative test x-ray. While employee health said that the vast majority of PPD positive employees don't do the INH therapy I don't think I'll fall in that category. I'd really consult your doctor about the risks specific to you, pros and cons, etc.

You can do the night shift, but you'll have to seriously adjust your sleep-wake cycle. But if you are a caffeine junkie you need to know what exactly caffeine does with INH, how will it possibly make you feel, and if you taking the INH is really worth it. Remember that just because some people experience a side effect does not mean that all people experience the same things. Every case is different.

[newnursewithquestion]

Hi! Thanks for your reply! What made you decide to take it? Just curious. Let me know if you can.

Thanks

[abundantjoy07, RN]

I'm a diabetic. That's the main reason I wanted to do the therapy...if I didn't have this chronic disease, I probably wouldn't be too concerned with taking it. But it's a hard choice to make in either case.