Toddler With Intermittent Abnormal Behavior: Is It Isoniazid-Induced Psychosis?
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Indar Kumar Sharawat1, Lesa Dawman2
1From the Department of Paediatrics, VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital.
Insights
A 3-year-old child experienced drug-induced psychosis from isoniazid, a tuberculosis medication. Symptoms resolved after discontinuing the drug, highlighting potential adverse effects in young children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Psychosis is uncommon in preschool-aged children.
- Isoniazid is a standard treatment for tuberculosis (TB) and prophylaxis.
- While overdose can cause psychosis, it's rare at recommended doses.
Observation:
- A 3-year-old child presented with intermittent abnormal behavior.
- The behavioral changes began after isoniazid intake.
- Symptoms persisted for two weeks.
Findings:
- The child's condition was diagnosed as drug-induced psychosis.
- Isoniazid was identified as the causative agent.
- Discontinuation of isoniazid led to symptom resolution.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for isoniazid to induce psychosis even at recommended doses in young children.
- Clinicians should consider drug-induced psychosis in preschool children with unexplained behavioral changes, especially after starting new medications.
- Early recognition and drug withdrawal are crucial for recovery.
Abstract:
Psychosis is a state of altered behavior and mentation, and it is rarely reported in preschool children. Isoniazid is a commonly used drug in the treatment and prophylaxis of tuberculosis. It may cause psychosis in overdose but rarely with usual recommended doses. We report a case of drug-induced psychosis secondary to isoniazid intake in a 3-year-old child. She developed intermittent abnormal behavior for 2 weeks after intake of isoniazid. Drug-induced psychosis was a possibility, and the responsible drug was stopped. She improved following the withdrawal of isoniazid.
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