Pyridoxine
Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) treats and prevents vitamin B6 deficiency caused by poor diet, medications, or medical conditions.
Pyridoxine is an essential B vitamin used to treat deficiency and support metabolic, nervous system, and blood cell functions.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A11HA02
- RxNorm
- 684879
- Generic
- Pyridoxine
- Class
- atc-a11
- Brands
- Folbecal, Folgard OS, Hemocyte Plus, Multi-Delyn, Irospan Tablet, Lactocal, Vitafol-One, NicAzel, Animi-3 with Vitamin D, Melatonex, Infuvite, Infuvite Pediatric, Concept OB, Tandem Plus, Diclegis
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, capsule, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 50mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 25mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 50mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
all trimestersuse lowest effective dose
use only at recommended daily allowance during pregnancy, high doses should be avoided unless medically necessary
regular prenatal checkups
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed at RDA
pyridoxine passes into breast milk, follow RDA guidelines
none required at normal doses
pediatric_age
infantsweight-based dosing required
use only under medical supervision, pediatric formulations available
monitor for signs of toxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly over 65no routine adjustment needed
assess renal function before high-dose supplementation
periodic renal function monitoring if high doses used
renal_impairment
moderate to severereduce dose or avoid high doses
monitor serum levels, adjust dose based on renal function
regular monitoring of renal function and pyridoxine levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severeuse with caution
monitor liver function tests
monitor liver function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
chronic alcoholismmay require higher doses due to deficiency
screen for deficiency, alcohol increases pyridoxine excretion
monitor for deficiency symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Vitamin classification
Common uses
Therapeutic applications
Mechanism of action
Biochemical function
Treatment and prevention of pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) deficiency, including deficiency caused by certain medications (such as isoniazid), malnutrition, or specific genetic disorders. Also used in certain types of anemia and as a supplement in pregnancy when dietary intake is insufficient.
Pyridoxine serves as a coenzyme (pyridoxal phosphate) essential for numerous enzymatic reactions, particularly those involved in amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis (including serotonin and dopamine), and hemoglobin production.
Generally well-tolerated when used at recommended doses. Long-term high-dose supplementation (typically exceeding 200mg daily for extended periods) may cause peripheral neuropathy. May interact with certain medications including levodopa, phenytoin, and cycloserine. Essential to maintain adequate dietary intake through foods such as poultry, fish, potatoes, and fortified cereals.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy