Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 Drug Information

• Vitamin B6 Overview

  Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) is used to prevent or treat low levels of vitamin B6 in people who do not get enough of the vitamin from their diets. Most people who eat a normal diet do not need extra vitamin B6. However, some conditions (such as alcoholism, liver disease, overactive thyroid, heart failure) or medications (such as isoniazid, cycloserine, hydralazine, penicillamine) can cause low levels of vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 plays an important role in the body. It is needed to maintain the health of nerves, skin, and red blood cells. Pyridoxine has been used to prevent or treat a certain nerve disorder (peripheral neuropathy) caused by certain medications (such as isoniazid). It has also been used to treat certain hereditary disorders (such as xanthurenic aciduria, hyperoxaluria, homocystinuria).

• How to Use Vitamin B6

  Take this vitamin by mouth with or without food, usually once daily. Follow all directions on the product package, or take as directed by your doctor. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you are taking the extended-release capsules, swallow them whole. Do not crush or chew extended-release capsules or tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split extended-release tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing. If you are taking the powder, mix it thoroughly in the proper amount of liquid and stir well. Drink all of the liquid right away. Do not prepare a supply for future use. Dosage of Vitamin B6 is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use this vitamin regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.

• Vitamin B6 Precautions

  Before taking pyridoxine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Vitamin B6 may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this vitamin, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history. During pregnancy, this vitamin has been found to be safe when used in recommended doses. This vitamin passes into breast milk and is considered to be safe during breast-feeding when used in recommended doses. Consult your doctor for more information.

• Vitamin B6 Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Vitamin B6, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Vitamin B6 Interactions

  The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring. To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with Vitamin B6. While using Vitamin B6, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval.altretamine, cisplatin, phenytoin. This vitamin may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including urine test for urobilinogen), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this vitamin. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Vitamin B6, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

• Vitamin B6 Side Effects

  What are Vitamin B6 side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Vitamin B6 may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Vitamin B6 as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Vitamin B6

  The side effects of Vitamin B6 may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Vitamin B6. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Vitamin B6 may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Vitamin B6, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Vitamin B6.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Vitamin B6, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Vitamin B6 and the side effects associated with Vitamin B6 are described in the following:

  Common Vitamin B6 Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  Less Frequent Vitamin B6 Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  Rare or Very Rare Vitamin B6 Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • nausea
  • headache disorder
  • paresthesia
  • drowsy

• Vitamin B6 Storage

  Different brands of this vitamin have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Vitamin B6 when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.