What is the antidote for isoniazid overdose?

The antidote for isoniazid overdose is pyridoxine, which is also known as vitamin B6. Isoniazid is a medication used primarily for the treatment and prevention of tuberculosis, but in overdose situations, it can lead to serious toxicity due to its ability to inhibit the enzyme pyridoxal phosphate, thereby interfering with neurotransmitter synthesis.

Pyridoxine acts to counteract this effect because it is a precursor to the active form of vitamin B6, which can restore normal levels of neurotransmitters and alleviate symptoms of toxicity, such as seizures or altered mental status. Administering pyridoxine as an antidote in cases of isoniazid overdose is a well-established practice, as it directly addresses the mechanism of toxicity.

In contrast, while activated charcoal may be used as part of the treatment for various overdoses, it does not specifically counteract the toxic effects of isoniazid. Aspirin is also unrelated to isoniazid overdoses, primarily used for pain relief and anti-inflammatory purposes, and flumazenil is a benzodiazepine antagonist that would not be effective in this scenario. Hence, pyridoxine is the appropriate choice for managing isoniazid