pyridoxine at a glance
Medicine class
Water-soluble vitamin preparation.
Licensed roles
Vitamin B6 deficiency, idiopathic sideroblastic anaemia and isoniazid-induced peripheral neuritis.
Key safety issue
Prolonged exposure to large amounts can damage sensory nerves.
What is pyridoxine used for?
The selected tablet is licensed for:
Treating vitamin B6 deficiency states.
Treating peripheral neuritis caused by isoniazid.
Treating idiopathic sideroblastic anaemia, in which red blood cell production is abnormal.
How does pyridoxine work?
Pyridoxine is absorbed from the gut and converted mainly to pyridoxal phosphate and pyridoxamine phosphate. These active forms act as coenzymes in numerous metabolic reactions, including amino-acid metabolism, energy use and haemoglobin formation.
pyridoxine preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 50 mg
How to take pyridoxine
Take pyridoxine exactly as directed by the prescriber or pharmacist.
Swallow the tablet with a glass of water.
The selected leaflet does not specify a food requirement.
Do not add other vitamin B6 supplements without checking the combined exposure.
Do not stop prescribed treatment without discussing it with the prescriber.
pyridoxine side effects
Get urgent medical advice
- Peripheral neuritis after prolonged exposure to large amounts, which may cause pins and needles, numbness, weakness, impaired sensation or problems with coordination.
pyridoxine in pregnancy
Available data cited in the selected SmPC have not indicated harm from therapeutic use, but pyridoxine crosses the placenta and the SmPC advises caution when prescribing. Check with a doctor, pharmacist or midwife before starting it during pregnancy, and do not stop prescribed treatment without advice.
pyridoxine while breastfeeding
Pyridoxine occurs in breast milk, and the selected SmPC reports no identified adverse effects from therapeutic use during lactation. Tell the prescriber or pharmacist that you are breastfeeding, especially if the baby was premature or had jaundice.
pyridoxine interactions
Review prescribed medicines and supplements because pyridoxine can alter, or be affected by, other treatments.
Levodopa
Pyridoxine can reduce levodopa's effect unless levodopa is combined with a dopa-decarboxylase inhibitor such as carbidopa or benserazide.
Isoniazid
Isoniazid can alter pyridoxine metabolism and increase the clinical requirement for it.
Penicillamine
Penicillamine can alter pyridoxine availability and may increase requirements.
Oral contraceptives
Oral contraceptives may alter pyridoxine metabolism or availability and increase requirements.
Common questions about pyridoxine
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is pyridoxine the same as vitamin B6?
Yes. Pyridoxine is a form of vitamin B6 that the body converts into active coenzymes.
What conditions is pyridoxine licensed to treat?
The selected tablet is licensed for vitamin B6 deficiency, idiopathic sideroblastic anaemia and isoniazid-induced peripheral neuritis.
Why is pyridoxine given with isoniazid?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.