• Basic Info
• Top Questions
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What is pyridoxine?
Pyridoxine is vitamin B6. Vitamins are naturally occurring substances necessary for many processes in the body. Pyridoxine is important for the breakdown of protein, fats, and carbohydrates (sugars) in the foods we eat. Pyridoxine is used to prevent and to treat deficiencies of pyridoxine that may be caused by an inadequate diet, medications, or genetic problems with metabolism. Pyridoxine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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What are the possible side effects of pyridoxine?

Stop taking pyridoxine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience

• decreased sensation to touch, temperature, and vibration;

• poor coordination;

• staggering;

• numb feet;

• awkwardness of the hands;

• numbness around the mouth; and

• tiredness.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

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How should I take pyridoxine?
Take pyridoxine exactly as directed by your doctor or as directed on the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Do not take more pyridoxine than is prescribed for you or than is directed on the package. Store pyridoxine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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What is the most important information I should know about pyridoxine?
Do not take more pyridoxine than is prescribed for you or than is directed on the package.

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What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

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What other drugs will affect pyridoxine?
Before taking pyridoxine, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications: levodopa (Dopar, Larodopa, Sinemet, Atamet); phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton); or phenytoin (Dilantin). You may not be able to take pyridoxine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with pyridoxine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking or using any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or herbal/health supplements.

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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?

Pyridoxine has been assigned to pregnancy category C by the FDA. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Pyridoxine is only recommended for use during pregnancy when benefit outweighs risk.

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) for pregnant women is 1.9 mg/day regardless of age.

Pyridoxine is excreted into human milk. Neonatal seizures have been reported in infants whose mothers' breast milk contained 67 mcg/day. These seizures responded to pyridoxine therapy. Pyridoxine is considered compatible with breast-feeding by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Pyridoxine has been reported to inhibit lactation at large doses. The recommend dietary allowance (RDA) of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) for lactating women is 2 mg/day, regardless of age, to ensure a vitamin B6 concentration of milk of 130 ng/mL.

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Who should NOT use this medication?

• Known sensitivity to pyridoxine or any ingredient in the formulation.
• According to one manufacturer, pyridoxine should not be administered IV to patients with heart disease.

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What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a pyridoxine overdose may include poor coordination; staggering; numbness; decreased sensation to touch, temperature, and vibration; and tiredness for up to six months.

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Who should not take pyridoxine?
Before taking pyridoxine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Pyridoxine is in the FDA pregnancy category A. This means that pyridoxine is considered to be safe for use during pregnancy. Pyridoxine requirements increase during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor before taking pyridoxine if you are pregnant. Pyridoxine passes into breast milk. Pyridoxine requirements may increase during pregnancy. Doses larger than the recommended daily allowance should be used cautiously under the supervision of a doctor. Talk to your doctor before taking pyridoxine if you are breast-feeding.

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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

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Where can I get more information?
More Information

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