SIXVIT

Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) is used to prevent or treat low levels of vitamin B6 in people who do not get enough of the vitamin from their diets. Most people who eat a normal diet do not need extra vitamin B6. However,some conditions (such as alcoholism,liver disease,overactive thyroid,heart failure) or medications (such as isoniazid,cycloserine,hydralazine,penicillamine) can cause low levels of vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 plays an important role in the body. It is needed to maintain the health of nerves,skin,and red blood cells. Pyridoxine has been used to prevent or treat a certain nerve disorder (peripheral neuropathy) caused by certain medications (such as isoniazid). It has also been used to treat certain hereditary disorders

Vitamin B preparation

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a water-soluble vitamin used in the prophylaxis and treatment of vitamin B6 deficiency and peripheral neuropathy in those receiving isoniazid (isonicotinic acid hydrazide, INH). Vitamin B6 has been found to lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure in a small group of subjects with essential hypertension. Hypertension is another risk factor for atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Another study showed pyridoxine hydrochloride to inhibit ADP- or epinephrine-induced platelet aggregation and to lower total cholesterol levels and increase HDL-cholesterol levels, again in a small group of subjects. Vitamin B6, in the form of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, was found to protect vascular endothelial cells in culture from injury by activated platelets. Endothelial injury and dysfunction are critical initiating events in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Human studies have demonstrated that vitamin B6 deficiency affects cellular and humoral responses of the immune system. Vitamin B6 deficiency results in altered lymphocyte differentiation and maturation, reduced delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses, impaired antibody production, decreased lymphocyte proliferation and decreased interleukin (IL)-2 production, among other immunologic activities.

Your doctor will decide the dose which is best for you. Always follow your doctor's instructions completely and also follow any special instructions or warnings which appear on the label which the pharmacist has put on the package. Contact your doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve. If you do not understand,or are in any doubt,ask your doctor or pharmacist. Unless instructed differently,take your tablets with a glass of water. For the treatment of low levels of Vitamin B6 in the body The usual dose in adults is 50 to 150mg daily in divided doses. For the treatment of idiopathic sideroblastic anaemia The usual adult dose is 100 to 400mg daily in divided doses. For the treatment of nerve damage (peripheral neuritis) caused by isoniazid The usual adult dose is 50mg three times a day. Elderly If you are elderly you will require similar doses to those given above. Children Pyridoxine Tablets are not recommended for use in children.

Pyridoxine reduces the therapeutic effect of levodopa. Various drugs, such as isonicotinic acid hydrazide, cycloserine, penicillamine, hydrazine and anovulatory steroids, may also increase the requirement for pyridoxine.

Contraindications It should not be given to patients receiving levodopa (in parkinson's disease). Pyridoxine (80 to 400 mg daily) has been reported to enhance the hepatic metabolism of phenobarbitone or phenytoin by 40-50% in some patients. This reduces the serum drug concentration. Precautions & Warnings Pyridoxine reduces the effects of levodopa, but this does not occur if a dopa decarboxylase inhibitor is also given. Many drugs may alter either the metabolism or bioavailability of pyridoxine; such agents include isoniazid, penicillamine and oral contraceptives.

Pyridoxine can cause side effects when taken in large doses for a long time. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: headache,nausea,drowsiness,numbness/tingling of arms/legs. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However,seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction,including: rash,itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat),severe dizziness,trouble breathing.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding You should let your doctor know if you are pregnant or wish to become pregnant,or wish to breast-feed,whilst taking these tablets

If you take more tablets than you should: If you accidentally take too many tablets contact your doctor or pharmacist or nearest hospital casualty department. Take this leaflet and any remaining tablets with you to show the doctor or pharmacist. If you miss a dose: If you forget to take a dose, take another as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, then do not take the missed dose at all. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten tablet. Stopping tablets: You should continue to take this tablets for as long as your doctor tells you to. Do not stop taking the medicine without talking to your doctor first.

Store under normal storage condition (15°C to 30°C). Protect from light.