Acute Poisoning from Overdose of Isoniazid

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Abstract
The use of isonicotinic acid hydrazide in human tuberculosis was first reported by Selikoff et al. in 1952.1Today, isonicotinic acid hydrazide (isoniazid) is used widely as an effective antituberculous drug. It would seem inevitable that its accidental ingestion should occur. Yet search of the English literature reveals only 2 previous reports of acute poisoning in infants due to isoniazid.2-3 Report of Cases Case1.—History.—A 25-month-old Mexican boy had been receiving isoniazid and para-amino-salicylic acid since June 25, 1959, when a diagnosis of primary tuberculosis had been made. Around noon on March 19, 1960, the mother put the patient in his crib, gave him his bottle and went outside to hang up the wash. Some isoniazid tablets were left on a dresser near the crib. Apparently by pulling the dresser scarf, the patient reached the tablets and ate approximately 18 (100 mg.) tablets. The mother, returning