Which of the following antitubercular drugs is having ototoxicity as side effect?

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026

Explanation

Streptomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic, a class of drugs known for causing ototoxicity.
Ototoxicity refers to damage to the inner ear, specifically the vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII).
This damage can manifest as vestibular disturbances (vertigo, dizziness, loss of balance) and/or auditory disturbances (tinnitus, hearing loss).
The toxicity is dose-related and more common in the elderly or patients with pre-existing renal impairment.

Option B: Isoniazid's most noted toxicities are peripheral neuropathy and hepatotoxicity, not ototoxicity.
Option C: Rifampicin is primarily associated with hepatotoxicity and a characteristic red-orange discoloration of body fluids. It does not cause ototoxicity.
Option D: Pyrazinamide's main adverse effects are hepatotoxicity and hyperuricemia, which can precipitate gout. It is not associated with ototoxicity.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Adverse effects of first-line antitubercular drugs as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must monitor patients on Streptomycin for early signs of ototoxicity, such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears), vertigo, or any changes in hearing. A baseline audiometry test is often recommended before starting therapy.
Patient education is crucial. The nurse should instruct the patient to immediately report any dizziness, balance issues, or hearing changes.
Streptomycin is also nephrotoxic (damaging to the kidneys). Nurses should monitor renal function (e.g., BUN, creatinine) as impaired kidney function increases the risk of drug accumulation and toxicity.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keywords in the question: 'antitubercular drugs' and 'ototoxicity'.
The question asks for a specific side effect (ototoxicity) among a class of drugs (antituberculars). This is a factual recall question.
Systematically review the known primary side effects of each option.
Recall or deduce that Isoniazid causes neuropathy/hepatitis, Rifampicin causes red-orange fluids/hepatitis, and Pyrazinamide causes hyperuricemia/hepatitis.
Identify Streptomycin as an aminoglycoside, a class famous for causing ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity.
Select Streptomycin as the drug that matches the side effect of ototoxicity.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QEISbKGzWeGT6DFtgmu36M

E6 Pharmacology Katzung 16e p. 1319-1321

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 1836-1838

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1467-1469

Practise the full IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026

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