Vitamin B6 therapy is important when patient is on one of these drugs :

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Entrance-2023

Explanation

Isoniazid (INH) is a primary antitubercular drug known to cause peripheral neuropathy as a significant side effect.
This neuropathy occurs because Isoniazid interferes with the metabolism of Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), leading to its deficiency.
To prevent this adverse effect, co-administration of pyridoxine is a standard practice for patients undergoing Isoniazid therapy.
The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include tingling, numbness, or burning sensations, particularly in the hands and feet.

Option A: Kanamycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic whose primary adverse effects are ototoxicity (hearing and balance problems) and nephrotoxicity (kidney damage). It does not cause Vitamin B6 deficiency.
Option B: Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Its notable side effects include tendonitis and tendon rupture, photosensitivity, and QT prolongation. It is not associated with Vitamin B6 depletion.
Option D: Ethambutol is a first-line antitubercular drug, but its characteristic side effect is optic neuritis, which can lead to decreased visual acuity and difficulty distinguishing between red and green colors. It does not require Vitamin B6 supplementation.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Pharmacology: Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
A nurse's primary role is to ensure patient safety by administering pyridoxine along with Isoniazid and educating the patient on the importance of adherence to prevent neuropathy.
Nurses must monitor for and teach patients to report early signs of peripheral neuropathy (tingling, numbness) and hepatotoxicity (jaundice, dark urine, fatigue).
What if? If the patient is also a chronic alcoholic, malnourished, or has diabetes, the risk for Isoniazid-induced neuropathy is significantly higher, making Vitamin B6 co-administration absolutely critical.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question. It asks to link a specific vitamin supplement (B6) to a drug that necessitates it.
This is a factual recall question based on pharmacology knowledge, specifically drug side effects and management.
Systematically review the options and recall the primary, most well-known side effect of each drug.
Isoniazid is classically associated with peripheral neuropathy that is preventable with Vitamin B6.
Ethambutol is associated with optic (eye) problems.
Kanamycin is associated with ear and kidney toxicity.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart B (pp 202-403 of 604) p. 27-29

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 513-515

Practise the full IGNOU PB Bsc Entrance-2023

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