Pyridoxine (Vitamin B-6)
Also known as: Aminoxin, Vitelle Nestrex, Vitamin B6
> **Important**: Pyridoxine is generally very safe, but extremely high doses can cause nerve damage. * **Do not exceed** the dose prescribed by your veterinarian. * Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet develops any abnormal neurologic signs, such as **difficulty walking**, stumbling, or trouble using stairs.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- To replace pyridoxine antagonized by crimidine ingestion
- Isoniazid (INH) toxicity
- To replace pyridoxine antagonized by crimidine ingestion
- To delay the development of cutaneous toxicity (PPES) associated with doxorubicin containing pegylated liposomes (Doxil®)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Paresthesias (reported in humans)
- Somnolence (reported in humans)
- Reduced serum folic acid levels
- Peripheral neuropathy (associated with massive overdoses)
Cautions & contraindications
- Documented hypersensitivity or sensitivity to pyridoxine
- Weigh potential risks versus benefits in patients with documented sensitivity to pyridoxine. While very safe at recommended doses during pregnancy, very large doses during pregnancy can cause a pyridoxine dependency syndrome in neonates. Pyridoxine requirements of the dam may be increased during nursing.
Drug interactions
- Chloramphenicol: May cause increased pyridoxine requirements
- Estrogens: May cause increased pyridoxine requirements
- Hydralazine: May cause increased pyridoxine requirements
- Immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine, chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide, corticosteroids): May cause increased pyridoxine requirements
- Isoniazid: May cause increased pyridoxine requirements
- Penicillamine: May cause increased pyridoxine requirements
- Levodopa: Pyridoxine may reduce levodopa efficacy (no interaction when levodopa is used with carbidopa)
- Phenobarbital: High dose pyridoxine may decrease phenobarbital serum levels
- Phenytoin: High dose pyridoxine may decrease phenytoin serum concentration
Frequently asked questions
What is Pyridoxine (Vitamin B-6) used for in pets?
> **Important**: Pyridoxine is generally very safe, but extremely high doses can cause nerve damage. * **Do not exceed** the dose prescribed by your veterinarian. * Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet develops any abnormal neurologic signs, such as **difficulty walking**, stumbling, or trouble using stairs.
Is Pyridoxine (Vitamin B-6) safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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