Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

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Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Brands

DEA Class; Rx, OTC

Common Brand Names; vitamin B6, Nestrex

  • B Vitamins; 
  • Vitamins, Water-Soluble

Precursor of pyridoxal; plays a role in metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats; aids in the sythesis of GABA

Aids in release of liver and muscle stored glycogen

Nutrition

Sources: Beef liver, pork, baked potato, spinach, banana, cereals, milk, fish, avocado

Function: Cofactor in enzymatic reactions

Deficiency: Inflammation of mouth, lips, tongue; anxiety, depression, confusion; anemia; rarely seizures

Deficiency may be caused by some medications (isoniazid, alcohol, penicillamine, theophylline)

Reduced by: Estrogens, stewing/boiling

Toxicity: >200 mg/day can lead to nerve damage & photosensitivity

Vitamin B6 is also called pyridoxine. Vitamin B6 helps form red blood cells and maintain brain function. This vitamin also plays an important role in the proteins that are part of many chemical reactions in the body. The more protein you eat the more pyridoxine your body requires.

Also Indicated for

  • RDA
  • Pyridoxine Deficiency
  • Nausea in Pregnancy
  • Prevention of Peripheral Neuropathy
  • Seizures (Orphan)

Hypersensitivity

  • Headache
  • Seizure (from very large IV dose)
  • Somnolence
  • Decreased folic acid
  • Acidosis
  • Increased hepatic AST
  • Nausea
  • Paresthesia
  • Neuropathy

Long-term large doses associated with induced neuropathy

Use caution in patients with impaired renal function and neonates (some parental products contain aluminum)

May cause dependence/withdrawal

Pyridoxine deficiency rare (enaluate for other deficiencies)

Dependence and withdrawal associated with >200 mg/day

Pregnancy Category: A/C-when exceeding RDA recommendations

Lactation: Safe

RDA

Males

  • <50 years old: 1.3 mg/day
  • >50 years old: 1.7 mg/day

Females

  • <50 years old: 1.3 mg/day
  • >50 years old: 1.5 mg/day
  • Pregnant: 1.9 mg/day
  • Lactation: 2mg

Pyridoxine Deficiency

10-20 mg/day IV/IM for 3 weeks

2.5-10 mg/day PO

Nausea in Pregnancy

10-25 mg PO q8hr

Prevention of Peripheral Neuropathy

Patients treated with isoniazid for Mycobacterium tuberculosis: 25-50 mg/day PO

Seizures (Orphan)

Treatment of pyridoxine dependent seizures

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

tablets

  • 25mg
  • 50mg
  • 100mg
  • 250mg
  • 500mg

tablets, extended release

  • 200mg

capsule

  • 250mg
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