Which vitamin deficiency is commonly associated with long-term use of INH?

Long-term use of isoniazid (INH), a medication commonly used to treat tuberculosis, is associated with a deficiency in vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine. INH interferes with the metabolism of pyridoxine, leading to decreased levels of this essential vitamin in the body. Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in many biochemical processes, including amino acid metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis.

The risk of vitamin B6 deficiency is particularly significant for individuals on long-term INH therapy, as this can manifest in symptoms such as peripheral neuropathy, which is characterized by tingling, numbness, or pain in the extremities. Because of this, healthcare providers often monitor patients on INH and may recommend vitamin B6 supplementation to mitigate the risk of deficiency and its associated complications.

In contrast, the other vitamins mentioned—C, D, and E—are not typically linked to INH use in the same manner as vitamin B6. While deficiencies in these vitamins can occur for various reasons, they do not correlate directly with the metabolism disruptions caused by isoniazid.