Isoniazid induced peripheral neuropathy responds to administrations of :
Isoniazid inhibits the enzyme that breaks down vitamin B6, pyridoxal phosphate. So when you take isoniazid, it increases the breakdown of B6, leading to deficiency. That deficiency affects the nervous system, causing neuropathy. So the treatment would be to supplement B6, which is pyridoxine. So the correct answer should be pyridoxine, which is vitamin B6.
Looking at the options, the correct one would be the one that mentions pyridoxine or B6. Let's say the options were A. Pyridoxine, B. Thiamine, C. Folic acid, D. Niacin. Then A is correct. The other options are different B vitamins but not the right one here. Thiamine is B1, folic acid is B9, niacin is B3. None of those are involved in this specific deficiency caused by isoniazid.
Clinical pearl: Always remember that pyridoxine supplementation is crucial when starting isoniazid to prevent neuropathy, especially in high-risk groups like those with malnutrition or alcoholism. Also, the dose of pyridoxine might need to be adjusted based on the isoniazid dosage.
**Core Concept**
Isoniazid-induced peripheral neuropathy arises from pyridoxine (vitamin B6) deficiency due to its interference with pyridoxal phosphate metabolism. This is a classic example of drug-induced vitamin deficiency affecting neurological function.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Isoniazid inhibits the enzyme pyridoxine phosphokinase, reducing the conversion of pyridoxine to its active coenzyme form, pyridoxal phosphate. This deficiency impairs neurotransmitter synthesis (e.g., GABA, serotonin) and myelin sheath maintenance, leading to neuropathy. Supplementation with pyridoxine reverses the deficiency, restoring normal neurological function and preventing further damage.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Thiamine (B1) deficiency causes Wernicke’s encephalopathy, not isoniazid-induced neuropathy.
**Option B:** Folic acid deficiency is linked to megaloblastic anemia, not neuropathy.
**Option C:** Niacin (B3) deficiency causes pellagra (dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia), unrelated to isoniazid toxicity.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
**"Isoniazid + Pyridoxine = Prevent Neuropathy"** – Always prescribe pyridoxine (10–50 mg/day) alongside isoniazid, especially in high-risk patients (malnourished, HIV+, alcohol users). This is a NEET/USMLE staple: *drug-induced vitamin deficiency* is a recurring exam theme.
**Correct Answer: A. Pyridoxine**