Which vitamin is often recommended to mitigate the side effects of INH?

Which vitamin is often recommended to mitigate the side effects of INH?

• A. Vitamin D
• B. Vitamin B12
• C. Vitamin B6
• D. Vitamin A

Answer: (C)

Isoniazid (INH) is an antibiotic primarily used to treat tuberculosis, and it can cause certain side effects, particularly peripheral neuropathy due to its interference with pyridoxine (vitamin B6) metabolism. The correct answer, vitamin B6, is commonly recommended to mitigate these side effects because it plays a critical role in nerve function and the synthesis of neurotransmitters. Supplementing with vitamin B6 helps to replenish levels that INH may deplete, thereby reducing the risk of symptoms such as tingling or numbness in the extremities. In contrast, while vitamin D, vitamin B12, and vitamin A offer various health benefits, they do not have a specific role in countering the side effects associated with isoniazid treatment. Vitamin D is important for bone health and immune function, vitamin B12 is crucial for red blood cell formation and neurological function, and vitamin A is essential for vision and immune response, but none address the specific issue of d depletion that occurs with INH therapy as effectively as vitamin B6 does.

Isoniazid (INH) is an antibiotic primarily used to treat tuberculosis, and it can cause certain side effects, particularly peripheral neuropathy due to its interference with pyridoxine (vitamin B6) metabolism. The correct answer, vitamin B6, is commonly recommended to mitigate these side effects because it plays a critical role in nerve function and the synthesis of neurotransmitters. Supplementing with vitamin B6 helps to replenish levels that INH may deplete, thereby reducing the risk of symptoms such as tingling or numbness in the extremities.

In contrast, while vitamin D, vitamin B12, and vitamin A offer various health benefits, they do not have a specific role in countering the side effects associated with isoniazid treatment. Vitamin D is important for bone health and immune function, vitamin B12 is crucial for red blood cell formation and neurological function, and vitamin A is essential for vision and immune response, but none address the specific issue of d depletion that occurs with INH therapy as effectively as vitamin B6 does.