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Brand Names: Vitamin B6

Generic Name: pyridoxine (vitamin B6) (Pronunciation: PIR ih DOX een)

• What is pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)?
• What are the possible side effects of pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)?
• What is the most important information I should know about pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)?
• How should I take pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Vitamin B6)?
• What happens if I overdose (Vitamin B6)?
• What should I avoid while taking pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)?
• What other drugs will affect pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)?

Pyridoxine is vitamin B6. Vitamins are naturally occurring substances necessary for many processes in the body. Pyridoxine is important in the breakdown of protein, fats, and carbohydrates from foods into products needed by the body.

Pyridoxine is used to treat or prevent vitamin B6 deficiency. It is also used to treat a certain type of anemia (lack of red blood cells). Pyridoxine injection is used to treat some types of seizure in babies.

Pyridoxine taken by mouth (oral) is available without a prescription. Injectable pyridoxine must be given by a healthcare professional.

Pyridoxine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• decreased sensation to touch, temperature, and vibration;
• loss of balance or coordination;
• numbness in your feet or around your mouth;
• clumsiness in your hands; or
• feeling tired.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea;
• headache;
• drowsiness; or
• mild numbness or tingling.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)?

You should not use pyridoxine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking pyridoxine if you have any medical conditions, if you take other medications or herbal products, or if you are allergic to any drugs or foods.

Before you receive injectable pyridoxine, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or heart disease.

Pyridoxine is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you should eat or avoid to help control your condition.

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