Bile Acid Sequestrants

Tocainide

Serotonin 5-HT Receptor Agonists

Meprobamate

Meglitinides

Thiazolidinediones

Para-aminobenzoic Acid

Vitamin B6

Sympathomimetics

Xanthine Derivatives

Vitamin B6 and Its Side Effects, Uses and Benefits

Type of Drug:

Water-soluble vitamin. Vitamin not stored by the body.

How the Drug Works:

Pyridoxine acts in protein, carbohydrate, and fat metabolism in the body.

Uses:

To treat or prevent pyridoxine deficiency. Symptoms of a severe deficiency include dry, oily, or flaky skin around the eyes, nose, and mouth; mouth inflammation; abnormal blood counts; convulsions; irritability; or numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.

Precautions:

Do not use in the following situations: Allergy to pyridoxine.

Multiple vitamin deficiency: It is unusual for pyridoxine deficiency to occur alone. Other vitamin supplements may be needed; consult your pharmacist or doctor.

Abuse and dependence: Withdrawal symptoms (eg, loss of coordination, numbness of the hands or feet) may occur after suddenly stopping 200 mg/day doses taken for longer than 2 months.

Pregnancy: This drug appears to be safe for use during pregnancy. How­ever, drugs should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly needed. Adequate studies have not been done in pregnant women taking doses that exceed the RDA; therefore, use only if clearly needed and potential benefits to the mother outweigh possible hazards to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: Pyridoxine appears in breast milk. Seizures in nursing infants have been reported. Consult your doctor before you begin breast­feeding.

Children: Safety and efficacy have not been established for use in children in doses that exceed the RDA.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with pyridoxine. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with pyridoxine:

  • Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin)

  • Levodopa (eg, Larodopa)

  • Phenobarbital (eg, Soltoton)

  • Primidone (eg, Mysoline)

Doses:

 

Pyridoxine/Vitamin B6

 

 

otc

Nestrex 

Tablets: 25 mg,

Yes

otc

Vitamin B6

Tablets: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg.

Yes

otc

Aminoxin 

Tablets: entric-coated: 20 mg

No

Rx

Pyridoxine HCI

Injection: 100 mg/ml.

Yes

 

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many pyridoxine users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Skin: Numbness or tingling on skin or in fingers and toes; numbness around mouth; abnormal skin sensations.

Other: Unstable walk; awkwardness of hands; decreased sensation to touch, temperature, and vibration perception; drowsiness; clumsiness; sensitivity to light.

Guidelines for Use:

  • Most people on balanced diets do not need vitamin supplements. Those on certain prescription drugs (eg, isoniazid, oral contraceptives, hydralazine); who are pregnant; who have kidney failure, liver disease, or malignancies; and chronic alcoholics are at risk for pyridoxine deficiency.

  • Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) _ Adult males: 1.7 to 2 mg Adult females: 1.4 to 1.6 mg

  • Enteric-coated tablets - Do not cut, crush, or chew. Swallow whole with a glass of water.

  • Common sources at pyridoxine - Liver, eggs, meat, whole-grain breads and cereals, soybeans, vegetables, peanuts, walnuts, and corn.


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