Evaluation of various isoniazid slow releasing matrix preparations for intermittent chemotherapy of tuberculosis

The blood level achieved with 15 mg/kg ordinary isoniazid (INH) was compared with that obtained with INH slow releasing Matrix preparation. Three brands of INH Matrix preparation were compared namely: the product of ICN Canada Ltd, utilized by Laboratory Centre for Disease Control, the preparation of Smith and Nephew, Britain employed by the Tuberculosis unit of the British Medical Research Council and Tebesium, the product of Hefa-Frenon Arzneimittel, Germany studied by the Tuberculosis Unit of South African Medical Research Council. The results of this study showed that pharmacogenetic principle have to be taken into account, it is not possible to produce INH slow releasing Matrix preparate equally applicable for slow and fast acetylators of INH.