Pyridoxine

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.