Pyridoxine

About pyridoxine

Pyridoxine is also known as vitamin B6. Vitamins are required in small quantities to help our bodies grow, develop, and function properly. Although most people receive sufficient amounts of pyridoxine from the food they eat (good natural sources are fish, meat and potatoes), pyridoxine deficiency can sometimes occur in people who have a condition which interferes with the way food is absorbed. Other people may be at risk of pyridoxine deficiency as a result of taking some medicines - people who take isoniazid as a treatment for tuberculosis (TB) and people who take a medicine called penicillamine can be affected in particular. Pyridoxine is also prescribed for people who have a type of anaemia known as sideroblastic anaemia, and also for people who have certain metabolic disorders.

Some people buy vitamins to take as a dietary supplement. Taking extra vitamins in this way has not been shown to be of benefit for people who are able to eat a well-balanced diet, although there is some evidence to suggest that pyridoxine may help relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Before taking pyridoxine

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start taking pyridoxine it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take pyridoxine

• Before you start taking the tablets, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about pyridoxine and will provide you with a list of side-effects which you may experience.

• If pyridoxine has been prescribed for you by a doctor, take it exactly as your doctor tells you to. The directions for taking the tablets will be printed on the label of the pack to remind you what the doctor said to you. You can take pyridoxine either before or after food.

• There are several different strengths of tablet available, so each time you collect a new supply it is a good idea to check the label to make sure it is the strength you are expecting. If you are unsure, ask your pharmacist to advise you.

• If you have bought pyridoxine, do not take more than 10 mg a day. The safety of taking doses higher than this as a long-term supplement has not been proved, and it is known that taking high doses of pyridoxine over a long period of time can cause damage to some nerves.

Can pyridoxine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects, although not everyone experiences them. Pyridoxine does not usually cause any problems when taken at the correct dose. If you take too many tablets for a long time, you may develop problems with your nervous system (such as tingling feelings, shooting pains, numbness, and not being able to feel pain or temperature). Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any side-effects which you think may be due to the tablets.

How to store pyridoxine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines