JODHPUR AIIMS SNO-2018
Pharmacology
Medium
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is given with isoniazid (INH) because it?
Appeared in: JODHPUR AIIMS SNO-2018
Explanation
- Isoniazid (INH), a primary drug for treating tuberculosis, interferes with the body's metabolism and utilization of Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine).
- This interference leads to a functional deficiency of Vitamin B6, which is a crucial coenzyme for many neurological functions.
- A deficiency in Vitamin B6 can cause peripheral neuropathy, characterized by symptoms like tingling, numbness, and burning pain in the hands and feet.
- By co-administering pyridoxine, the depleted vitamin is replaced, thereby preventing the onset of these neurological side effects.
Why Other Options Were Wrong
- Option B: Vitamin B6 does not possess any antimicrobial properties against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Its function in this context is purely supportive.
- Option C: The therapeutic, tuberculostatic (inhibiting bacterial growth) action of isoniazid is not boosted or enhanced by the presence of pyridoxine.
- Option D: While Vitamin B6 is generally important for a healthy immune system, its specific co-administration with INH is not for general immune support. The primary and direct reason is the prevention of a specific, drug-induced neurotoxicity.
Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
- Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pharmacology of antitubercular drugs and management of their adverse effects as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
- Nurses play a critical role in educating patients about the importance of taking both isoniazid and pyridoxine as prescribed to ensure treatment adherence and prevent debilitating side effects.
- It is a key nursing responsibility to assess patients on INH therapy for early signs of peripheral neuropathy (e.g., asking about tingling, numbness, or pain in hands/feet) and report these findings promptly.
- What if? If a patient on INH therapy also has diabetes, a history of alcohol abuse, or is malnourished, their risk for developing neuropathy is significantly higher. For these patients, pyridoxine supplementation is essential, and the nurse must be extra vigilant in monitoring for neurological symptoms.
How to Approach the Question
- First, identify the core of the question: it asks for the reason behind a specific drug combination (Isoniazid + Vitamin B6).
- Recall the pharmacology of Isoniazid (INH), a key anti-tuberculosis drug. Focus on its major, frequently tested side effects.
- The most well-known side effect of INH is peripheral neuropathy.
- Connect this side effect to its underlying cause: INH induces a Vitamin B6 deficiency.
- Evaluate the options based on this connection. The correct option must explain how giving Vitamin B6 solves the problem created by INH.
- Option A directly states that INH interferes with the vitamin, which is the correct mechanism, making supplementation necessary.
Concept Tested & Keywords
- Concept Tested: Pharmacology of antitubercular drugs and management of their adverse effects.
- Stem keywords: Vitamin B6, pyridoxine, isoniazid, INH
- Lead-in keywords: because it
Question ID
QB6JUgMS5giwmmDSAMsIwg
Reference Book
E6 Pharmacology Katzung 16e p. 1312-1314
E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1463-1465
E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 1834-1836
Practise the full JODHPUR AIIMS SNO-2018
Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.
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