Pyridoxine
A vitamin B6 form used to treat deficiency and several disorders.
Pyridoxine, also known as PN, is a type of vitamin B6 that occurs naturally in many foods and is also taken as a supplement. When used as a supplement, it can be given orally or by injection to address or prevent several conditions: a deficiency of pyridoxine itself, sideroblastic anaemia, a rare form of infant epilepsy that doesn't respond to standard seizure drugs, certain metabolic issues, the nerve-related side effects of the tuberculosis antibiotic isoniazid, and some kinds of mushroom poisoning.
The body relies on pyridoxine to process amino acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. It is also needed for the activity of muscle phosphorylase, an enzyme involved in breaking down glycogen. Dietary sources include meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, and grains. In some countries, foods like breakfast cereal have pyridoxine added to them.
Pyridoxine is generally well tolerated, but taking too much can lead to toxicity. Overdose may cause a peripheral sensory neuropathy, marked by poor coordination, numbness, and reduced sensitivity to touch, temperature, and vibration. More common, occasional side effects include headache, numbness, and sleepiness. Normal doses are considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In fact, a combination of pyridoxine and doxylamine is used to treat morning sickness in pregnant women.
The half-life of pyridoxine in the body is typically measured in weeks, with estimates ranging from about 20 days to 25–33 days depending on the source. Healthy blood levels of pyridoxine in humans fall between 2.1 and 21.7 ng/mL.
Pyridoxine was discovered in 1934, isolated in 1938, and first synthesized in 1939. It is listed on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines and is available both as a generic medication and over the counter.
- field
- Vitamin B family
- known_for
- Treatment of pyridoxine deficiency, sideroblastic anaemia, pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy, isoniazid side effects, and certain mushroom poisoning
Lore & Background
It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. Pyridoxine is available both as a generic medication and over the counter product. Foods, such as breakfast cereal have pyridoxine added in some countries. As a treatment (oral or injection), it is used to treat or prevent pyridoxine deficiency, sideroblastic anaemia, pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy, certain metabolic disorders, side effects of isoniazid treatment and certain types of mushroom poisoning. Isoniazid is an antibiotic used for the treatment of tuberculosis. Its common side effects include numbness in the hands and feet. Co-treatment with vitamin B6 alleviates the numbness. Pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy is a type of rare infant epilepsy that does not improve with typical anti-seizure medications. Pyridoxine in combination with doxylamine is used as a treatment for morning sickness in pregnant women.
Reader's Guide
Pyridoxine is significant as an essential vitamin required by the body to metabolise amino acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. It is also required for muscle phosphorylase activity associated with glycogen metabolism. Its medical uses span several conditions, including rare disorders like pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy and sideroblastic anaemia, as well as preventing side effects of the tuberculosis drug isoniazid. The half-life of pyridoxine varies according to different sources: one source suggests that the half-life of pyridoxine is up to 20 days, while another source indicates half-life of vitamin B6 is in range of 25 to 33 days. After considering the different sources, it can be concluded that the half-life of pyridoxine is typically measured in several weeks. It is usually well tolerated, though overdose toxicity can cause a peripheral sensory neuropathy characterized by poor coordination, numbness, and decreased sensation to touch, temperature, and vibration. Normal doses are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Its inclusion on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines underscores its importance in global healthcare.
Did You Know?
- It is used to treat pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy, a rare infant epilepsy that does not improve with typical anti-seizure medications.
- Pyridoxine in combination with doxylamine is used as a treatment for morning sickness in pregnant women.
- The half-life of pyridoxine is typically measured in several weeks, though sources vary between up to 20 days and 25 to 33 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pyridoxine?
Pyridoxine is a form of vitamin B6 found in everyday foods and also sold as a dietary supplement. It belongs to the vitamin B family and was first identified in the mid-1930s.
What conditions does Pyridoxine treat?
As a supplement, Pyridoxine is used to address pyridoxine deficiency, sideroblastic anaemia, and pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy. It also helps manage side effects from isoniazid use and certain types of mushroom poisoning.
How do people take Pyridoxine?
Pyridoxine can be administered either by mouth or through injection, depending on the patient's needs and the specific condition being treated.
Why is Pyridoxine important in nutrition?
Pyridoxine plays a key role in metabolism, and its deficiency can lead to serious health complications. It serves as a go-to treatment when a person's B6 levels drop too low or when certain metabolic disorders arise.
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