Methionine and vitamin B-complex ameliorate antitubercular drugs-induced toxicity in exposed patients

Tuberculosis therapy utilizes drugs that while effective cause treatment-related toxicity. Modulation of antitubercular drugs-induced toxicity by methionine and vitamin B-complex in patients was evaluated. 285 treatment-naive tuberculosis patients at the Chest Clinics of Infectious Diseases Hospital, Yaba and General Hospital, Lagos in Lagos, Nigeria was prospectively recruited and allotted into test (antitubercular medicines, methionine and vitamin B-complex) and control groups (antitubercular medicines). Data on adverse drug reactions and blood samples were collected at initiation, 2months and 6months, and then analyzed. Red blood cells and packed cell volume were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the test group compared to control at 6months of therapy. At the end of 2months, results showed a significant decrease (P<0.001) in aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, urea, creatinine and total bilirubin in the test group compared to control. Reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase were significantly increased (P<0.001) and malondialdehyde significantly decreased (P<0.001) in the test versus control groups at the end of 2 and 6months. Adverse drug reactions were significantly lower (P<0.001) in the test group (32.4%) compared to control group (56.2%), with 1 death. Hepatotoxicity was significantly higher (P=0.026) in control (6.9%), compared to test group (0%). Alcohol and cigarette smoking were significantly (P=0.019 and P=0.027) associated with the occurrence of adverse drug reactions. Methionine and vitamin B-complex modulated hepatic, renal, hematological, antioxidant indices and adverse effects in patients administered antitubercular medicines. Such interventions can enhance compliance and better treatment outcomes in tuberculosis patients.