A diabetic patient beginning isoniazid preventive therapy asks how to reduce the chance of numbness and tingling in the feet. Which supplement is routinely co-prescribed for this purpose?
- A Pyridoxine ✓
- B Thiamine
- C Cyanocobalamin
- D Alpha lipoic acid
Explanation
Isoniazid promotes urinary excretion of pyridoxine and forms inactive complexes with it, producing a sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy. Co-administration of pyridoxine 10 mg per day prevents this, and it is specifically indicated in diabetics, alcoholics, HIV-positive patients, pregnant women and malnourished individuals. Thiamine addresses alcoholic beriberi neuropathy rather than isoniazid toxicity, and the other two options have no preventive role here.
Reference: Katzung Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 16th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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