Am J Psychiatry 1975; 132:662-665
Copyright © 1975 by American Psychiatric Association
Intentional isoniazid overdosage among southwestern American Indians
ML Sievers, MH Cynamon and TE Bittker
A 30-month study explored the degree to which self-destructive behavior
compromised tuberculosis therapy and prophylaxis among southwestern
American Indians. The frequency of isoniazid (INH) overdosage paralleled
the extent of INH usage in each tribe and the entent to which INH was
perscribed for each tuberculosis category. The authors recommend the
careful selection of patients for INH prophylaxis, the dispensing of small
amounts at short intervals, the close monitoring of patient compliance with
the prescribed drug regimen, and, possiblly, the dispensing of individually
wrapped tablets to inhibit the impulsive ingestion of massive amounts of
the drug.
