Pyridoxine


Pyridoxine, also known as vitamin B6, is a form of vitamin B6 found commonly in food and used as dietary supplement. As a supplement it is used to treat and prevent pyridoxine deficiency, sideroblastic anaemia, pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy, certain metabolic disorders, side effects or complications of isoniazid use, and certain types of mushroom poisoning. It is used by mouth or by injection.
It is usually well tolerated. Occasionally side effects include headache, numbness, and sleepiness. Normal doses are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Pyridoxine is in the vitamin B family of vitamins. It is required by the body to make amino acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. Sources in the diet include fruit, vegetables, and grain.
Pyridoxine was discovered in 1934, isolated in 1938, and first made in 1939. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the safest and most effective medicines needed in a health system. Pyridoxine is available both as a generic medication and over the counter product. The wholesale cost in the developing world is about US$0.59–3.54 per month. Foods, such as breakfast cereal have pyridoxine added in some countries.

Medical uses

As a supplement it is used to treat and prevent pyridoxine deficiency, sideroblastic anaemia, pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy, certain metabolic disorders, problems from isoniazid, and certain types of mushroom poisoning. Pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy is a type of rare epilepsy that does not improve with typical antiseizure medications. Pyridoxine is used by mouth or by injection.
Pyridoxine in combination with doxylamine is used as a treatment for morning sickness in pregnant women. It has been used in hydrazine exposure with unclear effect.

Side effects

It is usually well tolerated, though overdose toxicity is possible. Occasionally side effects include headache, numbness, and sleepiness. Pyridoxine overdose can cause a peripheral sensory neuropathy characterized by poor coordination, numbness, and decreased sensation to touch, temperature, and vibration. Healthy human blood levels of pyridoxine are 2.1 - 21.7 ng/mL. Normal doses are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Mechanism

Pyridoxine is in the vitamin B family of vitamins. It is required by the body to make amino acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. Sources in the diet include fruit, vegetables, and grain.
It is also required for muscle phosphorylase activity associated with glycogen metabolism.

History and culture

Pyridoxine was discovered in 1934, isolated in 1938, and first made in 1939. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. Pyridoxine is available as a generic medication and over the counter. The wholesale cost in the developing world is about US$0.59–3.54 per month. Foods, such as breakfast cereal have pyridoxine added in some countries.