Vitamin B6

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.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

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.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

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.

Other drugs may interact with pyridoxine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Applies to pyridoxine: capsule, injectable, solution, tablet, tablet enteric coated, tablet extended release

Along with its needed effects, pyridoxine (the active ingredient contained in Vitamin B6) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking pyridoxine:

• Clumsiness
• numbness of hands or feet

Applies to pyridoxine: compounding powder, injectable solution, oral capsule, oral tablet

Nervous system

The profound sensory loss following treatment with high doses of parenteral pyridoxine (the active ingredient contained in Vitamin B6) may not be reversible.[Ref]

Nervous system side effects have included sensory neuropathy with axonal degeneration. The adverse neurologic side effects have been reported following a single large dose (10 g) administered intravenously. It may rarely occur following chronic administration of lower doses. Peripheral sensory neuropathy has also been reported.[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity side effects have been reported rarely.[Ref]

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included allergic contact dermatitis. Photosensitivity has been confirmed in a female patient taking pyridoxine (the active ingredient contained in Vitamin B6) 100 mg orally daily.[Ref]

Some side effects of Vitamin B6 may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.