Neuropathy Neuropathy Medications and Drug-Induced Neuropathy 2

Question 1

Thalidomide, used in multiple myeloma, causes a neuropathy that is predominantly which type?

Accepted Answer

Sensory-predominant axonal neuropathy

Answer

Thalidomide causes a cumulative-dose-dependent sensory axonal neuropathy, often irreversible, that limits its clinical use.

Question 2

Disulfiram (Antabuse), used in alcohol use disorder, can cause neuropathy through which mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of axonal transport by blocking dopamine beta-hydroxylase

Answer

Disulfiram inhibits dopamine beta-hydroxylase and other enzymes critical for axonal transport, leading to peripheral neuropathy.

Question 3

Which antiepileptic drug has been associated with causing a reversible peripheral neuropathy with long-term use?

Accepted Answer

Phenytoin

Answer

Long-term phenytoin use can cause peripheral neuropathy, particularly affecting sensory fibers, as a recognized adverse effect.

Question 4

Linezolid, an antibiotic for resistant gram-positive infections, causes peripheral neuropathy through which toxic mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrial protein synthesis inhibition

Answer

Linezolid inhibits mitochondrial ribosomal protein synthesis, leading to peripheral neuropathy with prolonged use.

Question 5

Amiodarone, an antiarrhythmic drug, is associated with which type of neuropathy?

Accepted Answer

Demyelinating polyneuropathy resembling CIDP

Answer

Amiodarone can cause a demyelinating polyneuropathy similar to CIDP, as the drug and its metabolite accumulate in lysosomes of Schwann cells.

Neuropathy Practice Test