Pyridoxine Hydrochloride is indicated in:

• Treatment and prevention of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) deficiency states
• Sideroblastic anemia
• Seizures associated with hereditary pyridoxine deficiency or dependency in infants
• Depression and other symptoms related to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and oral contraceptive use
• Prophylaxis of isoniazid-induced peripheral neuritis and treatment of acute isoniazid toxicity

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a water-soluble vitamin used for the prevention and treatment of vitamin B6 deficiency and isoniazid-induced peripheral neuropathy. Studies suggest that vitamin B6 may reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension, a known risk factor for atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. It has also been shown to inhibit ADP- and epinephrine-induced platelet aggregation and to improve lipid profile by lowering total cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol in small study groups. In its active form (pyridoxal 5’-phosphate), vitamin B6 helps protect vascular endothelial cells from platelet-induced injury. Endothelial damage is a key early step in atherosclerosis. Vitamin B6 deficiency is also associated with impaired immune function, including altered lymphocyte maturation, reduced delayed-type hypersensitivity response, decreased antibody production, reduced lymphocyte proliferation, and reduced interleukin-2 production.

Oral use:

• General deficiency states: Upto 150 mg (6 tabs.) daily.
• Sideroblastic anaemias: Upto 400 mg (16 tabs.) daily.
• Premenstrual syndrome: 50 to 100 mg (2 to 4 tabs.) daily.

Peripheral neuritis:

• Prophylaxis: 10 to 50 mg (2 tabs.) daily.
• Treatment: 100 to 200 mg (4 to 8 tabs.) daily.

Pyridoxine reduces the therapeutic effect of levodopa. Drugs such as isonicotinic acid hydrazide (isoniazid), cycloserine, penicillamine, hydrazine, and anovulatory steroids may increase the requirement for pyridoxine.

It should not be given to patients receiving levodopa for Parkinson’s disease. High doses of pyridoxine (80–400 mg daily) may increase hepatic metabolism of phenobarbitone or phenytoin by 40–50%, reducing their serum concentrations.

Long-term use of high doses (above 2 g daily) may cause severe peripheral neuropathy. Excess pyridoxine may also reduce serum folate levels.

Pyridoxine requirement increases during pregnancy and lactation. It may help in treating nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Caution should be exercised when used in breastfeeding women.

Pyridoxine reduces the effect of levodopa unless a dopa decarboxylase inhibitor is also given. Many drugs such as isoniazid, penicillamine, and oral contraceptives may alter its metabolism or bioavailability.

If an overdose occurs, seek medical attention immediately.

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is near the next dose.

Do not double the dose. Continue treatment as prescribed by the physician.

Vitamin B preparations

Store under normal conditions (15°C–30°C). Protect from light.