Final answer:
Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) should be administered with INH (isoniazid) to prevent potential nervous system side effects, such as convulsions in infants or neuropathy in adults, due to INH's structural resemblance and function interference with vitamin B6.
Step-by-step explanation:
The vitamin that should be administered with INH (isoniazid) to prevent possible nervous system side effects is pyridoxine, also known as vitamin B6. Infants treated with INH for tuberculosis might experience convulsions due to a structural resemblance between INH and vitamin B6, leading to a functional deficiency. Pyridoxine plays a vital role in the nervous system as it acts as a coenzyme for various reactions including neurotransmitter synthesis and amino acid metabolism. In the context of isoniazid, pyridoxine is needed to mitigate the drug's inhibition on the synthesis of neurotransmitters, thereby protecting against neurotoxic effects.
Vitamin B6 exists in three forms – pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine – and deficiency of this vitamin can lead to issues such as irritability, depression, and peripheral neuropathy. Taking pyridoxine along with INH can help prevent these potential side effects, which is why it's often recommended for patients on long-term isoniazid therapy.