Pyridoxine-Deficiency Neuropathy Due to Hydralazine

Abstract

PARESTHESIA has been noted in 8¹ to 15² per cent of patients receiving the antihypertensive drug hydralazine (Apresoline); these symptoms of neuropathy persist and become more bothersome if the dose is not reduced. The possible role of pyridoxine (vitamin B₆) deficiency in the pathogenesis of this problem is suggested by the fact that the hydrazine (—NHNH₂) group in the structure of the drug (Fig. 1) relates hydralazine to a family of compounds, the hydrazines and hydrazides (—CONHNH₂), that have been shown to produce pyridoxine-responsive convulsions in laboratory animals³; one hydrazide, isoniazid (Fig. 1), . . .