Final answer:
Thiamine (vitamin B1) is the drug of choice for preventing and treating Wernicke's Encephalopathy, commonly caused by thiamine deficiency often associated with chronic alcoholism. It is usually administered via intravenous or intramuscular injection and should precede glucose to prevent exacerbation of the condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The drug of choice (DOC) for the prevention and treatment of Wernicke's Encephalopathy is thiamine, which is also known as vitamin B1. This condition is typically associated with severe thiamine deficiency and is most commonly seen in individuals with chronic alcoholism; however, it can also occur in the context of other conditions that lead to malnourishment or malabsorption. Administering thiamine helps prevent the onset of Wernicke's Encephalopathy and can also serve as a treatment if symptoms have already appeared. The typical administration is an intravenous or intramuscular injection of thiamine.
It is critical to start thiamine treatment prior to or alongside any glucose solutions, as giving glucose without first ensuring adequate thiamine levels can precipitate or exacerbate Wernicke's Encephalopathy. Following initial treatment, maintenance doses of thiamine may be required to ensure proper levels are sustained, particularly in patients at high risk of deficiency or recurrent symptoms.