pyridoxine hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Vitamin B6 preparation
Licensed uses
Vitamin B6 deficiency, isoniazid-induced peripheral neuritis and idiopathic sideroblastic anaemia
How supplied
A prescription-only film-coated tablet
Tablet break line
For easier swallowing, not for dividing the tablet into equal amounts
What is pyridoxine hydrochloride used for?
The selected product is licensed for:
Vitamin B6 deficiency states
Peripheral neuritis caused by isoniazid, a tuberculosis treatment
Idiopathic sideroblastic anaemia, in which red blood cells do not form normally
How does pyridoxine hydrochloride work?
The body converts pyridoxine into active forms including pyridoxal phosphate. These act as cofactors for many enzyme reactions, helping process nutrients and supporting haemoglobin and nervous-system function.
pyridoxine hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 50 mg
How to take pyridoxine hydrochloride
Take pyridoxine hydrochloride exactly as directed by the prescriber or pharmacist.
Take the tablet with a glass of water unless instructed otherwise.
The break line may make swallowing easier but does not divide the tablet into equal amounts.
Do not combine it with additional vitamin B6 products without checking with a healthcare professional.
pyridoxine hydrochloride side effects
Get urgent medical advice
- Prolonged exposure to large amounts can cause peripheral neuritis, with tingling, numbness, pain, weakness or impaired balance.
pyridoxine hydrochloride in pregnancy
Available experience has not identified adverse pregnancy or newborn effects from therapeutic use, but the product information advises caution when prescribing during pregnancy. Check with a doctor, pharmacist or midwife before starting it, and do not stop prescribed treatment without advice.
pyridoxine hydrochloride while breastfeeding
Pyridoxine passes into breast milk. Therapeutic use has not been associated with identified adverse effects in the product information, but treatment should still be discussed with the prescriber, particularly for a premature or unwell infant or when other medicines are used.
pyridoxine hydrochloride interactions
Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about all medicines and vitamin supplements being taken.
Levodopa
Pyridoxine may reduce levodopa's effect unless levodopa is given with a dopa-decarboxylase inhibitor.
Isoniazid
Isoniazid can alter pyridoxine metabolism or availability and may increase vitamin B6 requirements.
Penicillamine
Penicillamine may alter pyridoxine metabolism or availability and increase requirements.
Oral contraceptives
Oral contraceptives may alter pyridoxine metabolism or availability and increase requirements.
Common questions about pyridoxine hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is pyridoxine hydrochloride the same as vitamin B6?
Yes. Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a form of vitamin B6 used in medicinal products.
What is pyridoxine hydrochloride prescribed for?
The selected product is licensed for vitamin B6 deficiency, isoniazid-induced peripheral neuritis and idiopathic sideroblastic anaemia.
Why is pyridoxine hydrochloride used with isoniazid?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.