Neuropathy Neuropathy Medications and Drug-Induced Neuropathy

Question 1

Which antiretroviral drug class is most commonly associated with antiretroviral toxic neuropathy (ATN)?

Accepted Answer

Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)

Answer

Older NRTIs (stavudine, didanosine, zalcitabine) cause mitochondrial toxicity in peripheral nerves, producing a painful sensory neuropathy.

Question 2

Bortezomib (Velcade), used in multiple myeloma, causes neuropathy through which primary mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Disruption of axonal transport and mitochondrial dysfunction

Answer

Bortezomib causes peripheral neuropathy by disrupting axonal transport and inducing mitochondrial dysfunction in dorsal root ganglion neurons.

Question 3

Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) toxicity from mega-dose supplementation causes which type of neuropathy?

Accepted Answer

Pure sensory ganglionopathy with sensory ataxia

Answer

Excessive vitamin B6 causes a sensory ganglionopathy by directly damaging dorsal root ganglion neurons, producing sensory ataxia.

Question 4

Which antibiotic is associated with peripheral neuropathy, particularly with prolonged use or in patients with renal failure?

Accepted Answer

Metronidazole

Answer

Metronidazole can cause peripheral neuropathy with prolonged use, particularly affecting sensory fibers, and risk increases in renal impairment.

Question 5

Colchicine toxicity causing neuromuscular complications presents as which pattern?

Accepted Answer

Neuromyopathy with proximal weakness and elevated CK

Answer

Colchicine toxicity typically causes a combined neuromyopathy with proximal muscle weakness and elevated creatine kinase, especially in renal failure.

Neuropathy Practice Test

Neuropathy Practice Test

Neuropathy Neuropathy Medications and Drug-Induced Neuropathy