The vitamin supplement provided for patients taking INH as part of their antituberculosis regime is?

Appeared in: MP CHO -2021 (Shift 1st)

Explanation

Isoniazid (INH), a first-line antitubercular drug, is known to cause peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) as a major side effect.
This toxicity occurs because INH inhibits the activation of pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) and increases its excretion, leading to a functional deficiency.
To prevent this adverse effect, prophylactic supplementation with pyridoxine is a standard part of care for patients undergoing INH therapy.
The typical prophylactic dose of pyridoxine is 10–50 mg/day.

Option A: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) deficiency is not a common side effect of INH therapy. Its deficiency is associated with oral and skin lesions like cheilosis and glossitis.
Option B: While INH has a structural similarity to niacin (Vitamin B3) and can rarely induce pellagra-like symptoms, the most common and clinically significant deficiency it causes is of pyridoxine.
Option C: Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) is not known to be depleted by Isoniazid. Its deficiency is rare as it is found in a wide variety of foods.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Prophylactic vitamin supplementation during antituberculosis therapy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a crucial role in educating patients about the importance of adhering to pyridoxine supplementation while on INH to prevent irreversible nerve damage.
A key nursing assessment for patients on antitubercular therapy is monitoring for early signs of peripheral neuropathy, such as tingling, numbness, or burning sensations in the extremities.
It is vital to report any neurological symptoms to the prescribing physician immediately for potential dose adjustment or intervention.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key drug mentioned in the question: Isoniazid (INH).
Recall the primary use of INH, which is for treating tuberculosis.
Think about the major, well-known side effects associated with INH. The most prominent one is peripheral neuropathy.
Connect this side effect to its underlying cause, which is a drug-induced vitamin deficiency.
Recall which specific vitamin is given prophylactically to prevent this neuropathy. This is Pyridoxine, also known as Vitamin B6.
Scan the options to find 'Pyridoxine' and select it as the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Prophylactic vitamin supplementation during antituberculosis therapy.
Stem keywords: vitamin supplement, INH, antituberculosis regime
Lead-in keywords: is
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 110-112

E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 3 p. 203-205

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 1834-1836

Practise the full MP CHO -2021 (Shift 1st)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.