Which of the following antitubercular medication has the side effect of Peripheral neuritis?

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur NO - 2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

Isoniazid is a first-line antituberculosis medication.
A well-documented and significant side effect of Isoniazid is peripheral neuritis (nerve damage).
This neurotoxicity is caused by Isoniazid-induced deficiency of pyridoxine (Vitamin B₆), as the drug interferes with its metabolism.
Symptoms include numbness, tingling, and burning sensations in the extremities.
Prophylactic administration of pyridoxine is standard practice to prevent this adverse effect.

Option A: Pyrazinamide's primary adverse effects are hepatotoxicity and hyperuricemia, which can lead to gout. It is not typically associated with peripheral neuritis.
Option B: The characteristic neurotoxic effect of Ethambutol is optic neuritis (or retrobulbar neuritis), which affects vision (visual acuity and red-green color discrimination), not the peripheral nerves of the limbs.
Option C: Rifampin is known for causing hepatotoxicity and a harmless orange-red discoloration of body fluids like urine, sweat, and tears. It does not cause peripheral neuritis.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pharmacology: Side Effects of Antitubercular Drugs as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must educate patients on Isoniazid to report any new onset of tingling, numbness, or burning in their hands or feet immediately.
It is a critical nursing responsibility to ensure that patients prescribed Isoniazid also receive and take their pyridoxine (Vitamin B₆) supplement to prevent neuritis.
Patient education about Rifampin's side effect of orange-colored body fluids is crucial to prevent anxiety and promote treatment adherence.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question. The question asks to link a specific side effect, 'Peripheral neuritis,' to one of the listed 'antitubercular medications.'
This is a factual recall question common in pharmacology.
Systematically review the known major side effects of each option.
Recall or deduce that Isoniazid (INH) is famous for causing peripheral neuropathy due to its interference with Vitamin B₆.
Recall that Ethambutol causes optic neuritis (eye), Rifampin causes orange secretions, and Pyrazinamide causes hyperuricemia.
Based on this knowledge, select Isoniazid as the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q09XmEXqzd_QY14CxswShz

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1464-1466

E6 Pharmacology Katzung 16e p. 1315-1317

Practise the full AIIMS Raipur NO - 2019 (Shift-1)

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