What supplement is recommended to prevent peripheral neuritis in patients taking Isoniazid?

Isoniazid is a medication commonly used to treat tuberculosis, but it has the side effect of potentially causing peripheral neuritis, which is a type of nerve damage that can lead to symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or pain in the extremities. To mitigate this risk, Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is recommended as a supplement.

Vitamin B6 plays an essential role in nerve function and the production of neurotransmitters, which are critical for the proper functioning of the nervous system. By supplementing with Vitamin B6 while on Isoniazid, patients can help prevent the development of peripheral neuropathy associated with the medication.

Supplementing with other vitamins like Vitamin C and D or folic acid does not directly address the specific risk of nerve damage caused by Isoniazid. While these vitamins are important for overall health, they do not have the same protective effect on peripheral nerves that Vitamin B6 does in this context. Thus, for patients on Isoniazid, Vitamin B6 is particularly important to support nerve health and prevent peripheral neuritis.