Pyridoxine is a vitamin supplement that is useful for helping the body inprocess food into energy, optimize nerve cell function,maintain healthy skin, and produce healthy red blood cells.
Pyrodixine is another name for vitamin B6. This vitamin is found in nuts, vegetables, chicken or beef, eggs, bananas, wheat, or avocados.
Apart from food, pyridoxine can also be found in supplement form in combination with other B vitamins. Pyridoxine supplements are commonly used to treat the following conditions:
- Vitamin B6 deficiency or deficiency due to an unbalanced diet, alcoholism, liver disease, or the use of certain drugs, such as isoniazid or penicillamine.
- Sideroblastic anemia, which is a type of anemia that occurs due to the presence of abnormal red blood cells.
This supplement, can also be used to prevent and treat peripheral neuropathy due to the use of isoniazid. This supplement is available in tablet, syrup, and injectable form.
Pyridoxine trademarks: Beneuron, Bexce, Cebevit, Neurobion, New Enziplex, Nutrimax B Complex, Pyridoxine HCL, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B Complex, Zyfort
What is Pyridoxine
| group | Over-the-counter and prescription drugs |
| Category | Supplement |
| Benefit | Treats vitamin B6 deficiency and treats sideroblastic anemia |
| Used by | Mature |
| Pyridoxine for pregnant and lactating women | Category A: Controlled studies in pregnant women have not shown any risk to the fetus, and it is unlikely that harm to the fetus is possible. Pyridoxine is considered safe for consumption by nursing mothers. However, you should first consult with your doctor about the appropriate use of pyridoxine during breastfeeding. |
| Shape | Tablets, syrups, injectable fluids |
Precautions Before Using Pyridoxine
The following are things you should pay attention to before using pyridoxine:
- Do not take pyridoxine if you are allergic to this supplement. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Talk to your doctor about using injectable pyridoxine if you have heart disease or kidney disease.
- Consult a doctor if you are using pyridoxine in long-term and large doses to prevent side effects.
- Talk to your doctor if you want to use pyridoxin with certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Talk to your doctor about using pyridoxin if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to the drug or an overdose after using pyrodixine.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Pyridoxine
The following is the dosage of pyridoxine for adults based on the form of the drug and its intended use:
Pyridoxine tablets and syrup
- Overcoming vitamin B6 deficiency: Maximum 150 mg per day
- Treating sideroblastic anemia: 200–600 mg per day
- Overcoming nerve pain or neuropathy due to the consumption of isoniazid drugs: 50 mg, 3 times a day. Maximum 200 mg per day.
Pyridoxine injection
The dose of injectable pyridoxine to treat vitamin B6 deficiency is 10–20 mg per day. It is given for 3 weeks by injection into a vein (intravenous/IV) or muscle (intramuscularly/IM). Next, treatment will be continued with pyridoxine tablets or syrup for several weeks.
Pyridoxine Nutritional Adequacy Rate
Daily needs for pyridoxine or vitamin B6 can be met from food, supplements, or a combination of both. The following is the nutritional adequacy rate (RDA) of pyridoxine per day based on age and gender:
- 0–6 months old: 0.1 mg
- Age 7–12 months: 0.3 mg
- 1-3 years old: 0.5 mg
- Ages 4–8 years: 0.6 mg
- Ages 9–13 years: 1.0 mg
- Men ages 14–50 years: 1.3 mg
- Male age 50 years: 1.7 mg
- Women aged 14–18 years: 1.2 mg
- Women ages 19–50 years: 1.3 mg
- Women aged 50 years: 1.5 mg
Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers need more pyridoxine intake, which is 1.9 mg per day for pregnant women and 2.0 mg per day for breastfeeding mothers.
How to Use Pyridoxine Correctly
Vitamin and mineral supplements are taken to meet the body's need for vitamins and minerals, especially when the intake from food is not sufficient. Keep in mind, supplements are only as a complement to nutritional intake, not as a substitute for nutrients from food.
Take pyridoxine tablets and syrup according to the instructions on the package. If necessary, discuss with your doctor to find out the right dose according to your condition. Do not exceed the recommended dose to avoid side effects.
Pyridoxine tablets can be taken before or after meals. Take this supplement in its entirety. Do not split, chew, or crush the supplement.
Vitamin B6 supplements in the form of syrup need to be shaken before consumption. Use the measuring spoon provided on the supplement packaging for the right dose.
If you forget to take pyridoxine tablets or syrup, take it as soon as you remember, if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
The provision of pyridoxine supplements in the form of injections will be carried out directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
Store pyridoxine tablets and syrup at room temperature, in a dry place, and away from heat and direct sunlight. Keep this supplement out of reach of children.
Pyridoxine Interactions with Other Drugs
Pyridoxine or vitamin B6 supplements can cause some drug interaction effects when used with certain drugs, including:
- Decreased blood levels of pyridoxine when used with isoniazid, penicillamine, or birth control pills
- Decreased effectiveness of the drug levodopa, phenobarbital, or phenytoin
Pyridoxine Side Effects and Dangers
If used according to the doctor's recommendations and the instructions for use listed on the packaging, pyridoxine supplements rarely cause side effects. Some of the side effects that can appear after using this supplement are nausea, headache, and drowsiness.
The use of pyridoxine in excessive doses and long term can cause damage to the nervous system, which can be characterized by symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or stabbing pain.
See your doctor immediately if you experience any of the side effects listed above or have an allergic drug reaction after taking pyridoxine or vitamin B6 supplements.