Pyridoxine
Pyridoxine (peer i DOKS een) is a generic medication prescribed for pyridoxine deficiency (low vitamin B6). It’s a type of vitamin supplement.
Pyridoxine (peer i DOKS een) is a generic medication prescribed for pyridoxine deficiency (low vitamin B6). It’s a type of vitamin supplement.
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Intro
Introduction
Written by Patricia Weiser, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Bryson Russell PharmD, MHSA, MSc
Updated on November 7, 2023
Pyridoxine (peer i DOKS een) is a generic medication prescribed for pyridoxine deficiency (low vitamin B6). It’s a type of vitamin supplement.
Uses
Uses of pyridoxine
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as pyridoxine injection for certain conditions. Approved uses for pyridoxine are described below.
Use for low vitamin B6
Doctors may prescribe pyridoxine injection for treating pyridoxine deficiency (low vitamin B6) in adults. It’s given as an injection into your muscle or as an intravenous (IV) infusion (injection into your vein given over time). It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.
Specifically, pyridoxine is used to treat low vitamin B6 due to:
- not consuming enough of this vitamin in your diet
- a side effect of taking certain medications, such as isoniazid or birth control pills
- inherited conditions that affect how your body metabolizes (processes) vitamin B6
In addition, doctors may prescribe pyridoxine injections or infusions when someone can’t take a supplement by mouth. For example, you may not be able to take an oral supplement due to having surgery, vomiting, or a difficulty absorbing vitamins from your digestive tract.
Pyridoxine is another name for vitamin B6. Pyridoxine is also available in oral dosage forms, including tablets and capsules, that are sold over the counter as a dietary supplement.
Vitamin B6 is an essential nutrient. (“Essential nutrient” means that your body needs it but can’t make its own supply.) Vitamin B6 assists the body in processing protein, carbohydrates, and fat. It also plays a role in converting the amino acid tryptophan into niacin (vitamin B3) or serotonin (a chemical messenger involved in regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and blood flow, among other important bodily functions).
Low vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine deficiency, can lead to various symptoms and health problems. These may include anemia, seizures, weakness, fatigue, problems with the brain and nerves, a weakened immune system, skin problems, and mood disorders.
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for pyridoxine
Below, you’ll find information about pyridoxine’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of pyridoxine
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you use pyridoxine, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for pyridoxine” section below.
Warnings for pyridoxine
Some people should not use pyridoxine, and others should use it cautiously.
Pyridoxine could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether pyridoxine is a safe option for you.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for pyridoxine, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Pyridoxine can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to pyridoxine injection or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe pyridoxine injection. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing difficulties
If you have an allergic reaction to pyridoxine, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of pyridoxine
You should not use more pyridoxine than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve used too much pyridoxine, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and pyridoxine
Information about pyridoxine and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Pyridoxine and pregnancy
In general, pyridoxine is considered safe to use during pregnancy. That said, ask your doctor about whether they feel it’s safe for you.
Pyridoxine and breastfeeding
In general, pyridoxine is considered safe to use while breastfeeding. That said, ask your doctor about whether they feel it’s safe for you.
Side effects
Side effects of pyridoxine
Pyridoxine may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of pyridoxine and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about pyridoxine’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for pyridoxine listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with pyridoxine injection are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about pyridoxine’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for pyridoxine listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Pyridoxine injection’s mild side effects include:
- tingling or numbness
- drowsiness
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for pyridoxine” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of pyridoxine are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about pyridoxine’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for pyridoxine listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, pyridoxine injection’s serious side effects include:
- low levels of folic acid in the blood (which may lead to anemia)
- severe allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for pyridoxine” section.
FAQ
Common questions about pyridoxine
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about pyridoxine.
Can pyridoxine cause long-term side effects?
Long-term side effects aren’t expected with use of pyridoxine injection in adults. In studies, specific side effects weren’t seen in adults who had taken the drug for a long time. Long lasting side effects after treatment ended also weren’t reported.
How does pyridoxine work? And how long does it take to start working?
Pyridoxine injection works by providing your body with vitamin B6. It’s an essential nutrient, meaning that the body needs it but can’t make its own supply.
Pyridoxine injection starts working right away. But it may take 3 weeks to see a difference in any symptoms you’re having related to low B6 levels. (Pyridoxine is used to treat low B6 levels, also known as pyridoxine deficiency.)
If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know if you have questions about pyridoxine injection or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How long will I need to receive pyridoxine injections or infusions?
- How often should I have blood tests to check my B6 levels?
- Should I take a multivitamin or dietary supplement that contains vitamin B6 during or after treatment with pyridoxine injection?
Resources
Resources
- Pyridoxine hydrochloride injection, USP. (2019). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/a56d11c0-b033-4201-85ff-fc710506481a/spl-doc
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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