Vitamin B1
Indications
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is used to prevent and treat thiamine deficiency. Deficiency can happen with poor diet, heavy alcohol use, long-term vomiting, some stomach or bowel conditions, and kidney dialysis. Severe deficiency causes beriberi (heart and nerve problems) and Wernicke's encephalopathy (confusion, unsteady walking and eye movement problems), which need urgent hospital treatment. It is also part of many B-complex products.
How It Works
Thiamine helps the body turn food, especially carbohydrates, into energy. Nerves, muscles and the heart need it to work normally.
Dosage and Administration
- Adults, mild deficiency or supplement: usually 10 to 25 mg a day by mouth.
- More severe deficiency: higher doses, as prescribed.
- Injections (for severe deficiency or Wernicke's encephalopathy) are given by a doctor or nurse, usually in hospital.
- Children: as prescribed.
Tablets can be taken with or without food.
Interactions
No important interactions are known at normal doses. Heavy alcohol use reduces how much thiamine the body absorbs. Long-term use of Furosemide and other loop diuretics may lower thiamine levels.
Contraindications
Allergy to thiamine or any ingredient of the product.
Side Effects
Tablets are usually well tolerated; mild stomach upset can occur. Injections may cause pain at the injection site and, rarely, a serious allergic reaction. Get urgent medical help if you notice swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, wheezing, a widespread itchy rash or feeling faint.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Safe at normal recommended doses during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Use higher doses only if a doctor advises them.
Precautions and Warnings
People who drink heavily, or have had confusion or unsteady walking, should see a doctor because they may need injections rather than tablets. Tell the doctor about any previous allergy to vitamin injections.
Overdose
Thiamine taken by mouth rarely causes harm in overdose because extra amounts leave the body in urine. If a large amount has been taken and you feel unwell, seek medical advice.
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.
All brands of Vitamin B1