Indications
Thiamine Nitrate is a form of vitamin B1. It is used to prevent and treat vitamin B1 deficiency, which can happen with poor diet, heavy alcohol use, long illness, vomiting, and some medicines. Severe deficiency causes beriberi (affecting the nerves and heart) and Wernicke’s encephalopathy (affecting the brain). It is most often found in B-complex and multivitamin products, and in vitamin injections used in hospital.
How It Works
Vitamin B1 helps the body turn carbohydrates into energy. It is needed for normal working of the nerves, brain, muscles and heart.
Dosage and Administration
- In multivitamin or B-complex products: follow the dose on the pack.
- Adults, mild deficiency: usually 10 to 25 mg a day by mouth, or as the doctor advises.
- Severe deficiency and higher doses: as prescribed.
- Injection: given by a doctor or nurse, usually in hospital, as prescribed.
Tablets can be taken with or without food.
Interactions
No important interactions are expected at normal doses. Long-term use of Furosemide and heavy alcohol use increase the body’s need for vitamin B1. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take.
Contraindications
Allergy to thiamine or any ingredient of the product.
Side Effects
By mouth it is very well tolerated; mild stomach upset is uncommon. Injections can rarely cause a serious allergic reaction, so they are given slowly under medical supervision.
Get urgent medical help for signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing. Sudden confusion, unsteady walking or abnormal eye movements, especially in someone who drinks heavily, can be signs of severe deficiency and need emergency care.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Safe at normal recommended doses during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Higher doses should only be used if a doctor advises.
Precautions and Warnings
Vitamin B1 does not replace a balanced diet or treatment of the cause of deficiency, such as alcohol use. People who have had a reaction to a vitamin injection before should tell the doctor or nurse.
Overdose
Extra vitamin B1 taken by mouth is passed out in the urine, so serious harm is unlikely. Seek medical advice if a large amount has been taken, especially by a child or if it is a combination product containing iron.
Therapeutic Class
Vitamin B (water-soluble vitamin).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.