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Overview: Pyridoxine is a form of vitamin B6 that is used to increase vitamin B6 levels. It is available in a variety of forms over the counter as a supplement. Pyridoxine is usually well tolerated. Before taking pyridoxine, tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any medicines or supplements you may be using.

Uses

What is pyridoxine used for?

Pyridoxine is a form of vitamin B6 that is commonly used for the following.

  • To prevent or treat low vitamin B6 levels from various causes
  • Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, also known as morning sickness

Pyridoxine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does pyridoxine work (mechanism of action)?

Pyridoxine is a form of vitamin B6. Your body uses vitamin B6 to keep nerve, blood, and immune cells healthy. 

In the U.S., most people get enough vitamin B6 from their diet. It is found in poultry, fish, potatoes, and fruits. It is also found in many fortified cereals. For most adults, the recommended daily intake of vitamin B6 is 1.3 to 1.7 micrograms (mcg). However, some people either do not get enough from their diet or have trouble absorbing it. When this happens, you can take pyridoxine to replace what you are not getting from your diet.

In people with morning sickness, it is not entirely clear how pyridoxine reduces symptoms. It may help to balance certain brain chemicals that can cause nausea and vomiting.

How is pyridoxine supplied (dosage forms)?

Example dosage forms and strengths

  • 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg oral tablets
  • 250 mg oral capsules

Pyridoxine is also commonly found as an ingredient in multivitamins and B-complex vitamins.

How should I store pyridoxine?

Pyridoxine dietary supplements should be stored according to the product label. If you are not sure how to store your product, ask your pharmacist.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of pyridoxine?

Pyridoxine is usually well tolerated. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of pyridoxine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of pyridoxine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Pyridoxine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking pyridoxine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives, which can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use pyridoxine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take pyridoxine.

  • Pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P5P or PLP)
  • Pyridoxine
  • Vitamin B6
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific pyridoxine products they stock.

What should I know about pyridoxine before using it?

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider. Do not take more than the recommended amount.

Keep pyridoxine out of the reach of children.

If you are using a liquid form of pyridoxine, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.

What should I tell my health care provider before using pyridoxine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if pyridoxine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.

Low Levels of Other Vitamins. People who have low vitamin B6 levels also often have low levels of other B vitamins, such as vitamin B12 or folic acid. Your health care provider will let you know if you should have your levels of these vitamins checked before starting pyridoxine.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Pyridoxine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking pyridoxine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take pyridoxine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Pyridoxine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take pyridoxine while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does pyridoxine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between pyridoxine and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect pyridoxine, but drinking large amounts of alcohol may lower the levels of vitamin B6 in your body. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Does pyridoxine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, some medicines (such as theophylline or certain medicines used to treat seizures) may lower levels of vitamin B6 in your body. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with pyridoxine. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much pyridoxine?

If you or someone else has used too much pyridoxine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of pyridoxine?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.