Thiamine
Thiamine, also known as Vitamin B1, is an essential water-soluble vitamin required for proper carbohydrate metabolism and nervous system function. It is primarily used to prevent or treat thiamine deficiency states, including beriberi and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, and is often given to patients with malnutrition, alcoholism, or impaired thiamine absorption.
Thiamine is an essential B vitamin used to treat and prevent deficiency-related conditions affecting the nervous system and metabolism.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A11DA01
- RxNorm
- 10454
- Generic
- Thiamine
- Class
- atc-a11
- Brands
- Hemocyte Plus, Multi-Delyn, Irospan Tablet, Lactocal, Vitafol-One, Infuvite, Infuvite Pediatric, Concept OB, Tandem Plus, Poly-Vi-Sol, Dialyvite 800, Dialyvite 800 with Zinc, Rena-Vite, Dialyvite 800 with Iron, Ellis Tonic
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, solution, capsule
- 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
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesterno adjustment needed
thiamine is essential for fetal development and is recommended during pregnancy
routine prenatal care
pregnancy
second trimesterno adjustment needed
continue prenatal vitamin supplementation containing thiamine
routine prenatal care
pregnancy
third trimesterno adjustment needed
maintain adequate thiamine intake through diet and supplements
routine prenatal monitoring
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
thiamine is excreted in breast milk and supplementation is recommended for lactating mothers
routine maternal and infant monitoring
pediatric_age
neonatesweight-based dosing required
thiamine supplementation may be needed in preterm infants and those with deficiency risk factors
monitor for deficiency symptoms
pediatric_age
childrenage-appropriate dosing
thiamine is included in pediatric multivitamins and is essential for growth
routine pediatric care
geriatric
elderlymay require monitoring
elderly may have decreased absorption and increased risk of deficiency; supplementation may be beneficial
monitor for deficiency signs and thiamine levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
dialysiswater-soluble vitamin may be removed during dialysis
supplementation often required in dialysis patients due to losses during treatment
regular monitoring of thiamine levels and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
cirrhosismay require dose adjustment in severe hepatic impairment
thiamine deficiency is common in liver disease; supplementation may be necessary
monitor liver function and thiamine levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
chronic alcoholismhigher doses may be required
thiamine supplementation is strongly recommended to prevent wernicke-korsakoff syndrome
monitor for neurological symptoms and thiamine levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Water-soluble vitamin, part of the B-complex vitamins
Common uses
Therapeutic indications for thiamine supplementation
Commonly prescribed since
Historical prescribing information
Mechanism of action
Biochemical role of thiamine as a coenzyme
Treatment and prevention of thiamine deficiency (beriberi), Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome in alcohol use disorder, thiamine deficiency associated with malnutrition, pregnancy, or malabsorption syndromes, and as a component of B-complex vitamin supplementation.
Thiamine is converted to its active form, thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), which serves as a coenzyme essential for the decarboxylation of alpha-ketoacids in carbohydrate metabolism and for proper nerve impulse transmission.
Generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects; allergic reactions are rare. Thiamine deficiency can lead to serious neurological and cardiovascular complications. Supplementation may be particularly important in populations at risk such as those with alcoholism, chronic dialysis, or bariatric surgery.
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