Attentional function in secondary school students receiving isoniazid prophylaxis for tuberculosis infection

Reports have suggested that isoniazid treatment may be associated with poor concentration and subtle reduction in memory. This study examines attentio nal function and processing speed in a group of 25 adolescents who received isoniazid prophylaxis for at least 6 months. As adolescents often face maj or educational assessment milestones, such cognitive side effects may have important implications. Participants were assessed before treatment, 1 mont h into treatment and at least 1 week after treatment cessation. Measures in cluded the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test and subtests of the appropri ate Wechsler scale sensitive to attention and speed of information processi ng. Isoniazid does not appear to cause significant adverse effects on atten tional function in adolescents.