Final answer:
Isoniazid, a drug used in the treatment of tuberculosis, can cause optic neuropathy as a side effect.
Step-by-step explanation:
The drug isoniazid, which is used in the treatment of tuberculosis, can cause optic neuropathy as a side effect.
Isoniazid is an antimetabolite that is given in combination with other drugs to treat tuberculosis. It works by preventing the synthesis of mycolic acid, which is essential for mycobacterial cell walls. However, one of the possible side effects of isoniazid use is neurotoxicity, which can manifest as optic neuropathy.
Optic neuropathy is a condition where the optic nerve is damaged, leading to vision problems. In the case of isoniazid-induced optic neuropathy, the exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to a toxic effect on the mitochondria of the optic nerve cells.