5.2.10.2. Peripheral neuropathy

Isoniazid may cause symptomatic pyridoxine (vitamin B6) deficiency, particularly in severely malnourished children and children living with HIV. Peripheral neuropathy is characterized by pain, burning or tingling in the hands or feet, numbness or loss of sensation in the arms and legs, muscle cramps or twitching. In young children, this may result in changes to gait or refusal to walk. Supplemental pyridoxine at a dosage of 0.5–1 mg/kg/day is recommended in severely malnourished children, children living with HIV, and adolescents who are pregnant. The dosage can be increased to 2–5 mg/kg/day in those with persistent signs of peripheral neuropathy due to pyridoxine deficiency.

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