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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