Pyridoxine is vitamin B6. Vitamins occur naturally in foods such as meat, poultry, nuts, whole grains, bananas, and avocados. Vitamin B6 is important for many processes in 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 also 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.

warnings

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

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

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if:

you have any other medical conditions;
you take other medications or herbal products; or
you are allergic to any drugs or foods.

To make sure you can safely receive injectable pyridoxine, tell your doctor if you have heart disease or kidney disease.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Your dose needs may be different. High doses of pyridoxine can harm a nursing baby.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6))?

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

Call your doctor at once if you have:

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.

Common 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.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6))?

Use Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Pyridoxine tablets are taken by mouth. Injectable pyridoxine is injected into a muscle or into a vein through an IV. You may be shown how to use injections at home. Do not give yourself this medicine if you do not understand how to use the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used.

The recommended dietary allowance of pyridoxine increases with age. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions. You may also consult the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health, or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Nutrient Database (formerly "Recommended Daily Allowances") listings for more information.

Pyridoxine may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes a special diet. Follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. Get familiar with the list of foods you should eat or avoid to help control your condition.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6))?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not Use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.