Vitamin B6
Indications
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is used to prevent and treat vitamin B6 deficiency. Deficiency can happen with a poor diet, heavy alcohol use, long-term kidney dialysis and with some medicines such as Isoniazid. It is given with Isoniazid during tuberculosis treatment to prevent nerve damage, and a doctor may use it for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. It is also found in B-complex and multivitamin products.
How It Works
Vitamin B6 is changed in the body into an active form that helps many enzymes work. These enzymes help the body use protein, make red blood cells and chemical messengers in the brain, and keep nerves healthy.
Dosage and Administration
- Adults, deficiency: usually 10 to 50 mg a day, or as the doctor advises.
- To prevent nerve damage with Isoniazid: commonly 10 to 25 mg a day.
- Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: only as advised by the doctor.
- Children and injections: as prescribed.
Take by mouth with or without food.
Interactions
High doses can reduce the effect of Levodopa when Levodopa is taken on its own (not with Carbidopa). Vitamin B6 can lower blood levels of Phenytoin and Phenobarbital. Isoniazid, Penicillamine, Hydralazine and some oral contraceptives increase the body's need for vitamin B6.
Contraindications
Allergy to pyridoxine or any ingredient of the product.
Side Effects
Usually well tolerated at normal doses. Occasionally nausea, stomach upset, headache or sleepiness. Taking high doses (about 200 mg a day or more) for months can damage nerves, causing numbness, tingling, burning feet or unsteady walking. This usually improves slowly after stopping.
Get urgent medical help if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or throat, a widespread rash or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Safe at normal recommended doses during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Avoid high doses unless a doctor advises them, because very high doses may reduce breast milk.
Precautions and Warnings
Do not take high doses for a long time without medical advice. Check the total amount if you take more than one vitamin product. Stop and see a doctor if you notice numbness or tingling in your hands or feet.
Overdose
A single large dose is unlikely to cause serious harm. Long-term high doses can damage nerves; stop taking it and 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 B6