pyridoxine

Generic Name: pyridoxine
Other Brand Names: Nestrex

What is pyridoxine (vitamin B6)?

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.

Uses Side Effects Precautions Interactions Overdose
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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pyridoxine (vitamin B6)?

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.

How should I take pyridoxine (vitamin B6)?

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.

What happens if I miss a dose of pyridoxine (vitamin B6)?

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.

Where can I get more information about pyridoxine (vitamin B6)?
Your pharmacist has information about pyridoxine (vitamin B6) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of pyridoxine (vitamin B6)?

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.

What is the most important information I should know about pyridoxine (vitamin B6)?

Do not take more pyridoxine than is prescribed for you or than is directed on the package.

What should I avoid while taking pyridoxine (vitamin B6)?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while you are taking pyridoxine unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What other drugs will affect pyridoxine (vitamin B6)?

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.

What happens if I have an overdose of pyridoxine (vitamin B6)?

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.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 2/11/2008