Nestrex

Generic Name: pyridoxine (vitamin B6) (PIR ih DOX een)

Brand Names: Vitamin B6

What is pyridoxine?

Pyridoxine is vitamin B6. Vitamins are naturally occurring substances necessary for many processes in the body. Pyridoxine is important in the breakdown of protein, fats, and carbohydrates from foods into products needed by the body.

Pyridoxine is used to treat or prevent vitamin B6 deficiency. It is also used to treat a certain type of anemia (lack of red blood cells). Pyridoxine injection is used to treat some types of seizure in babies.

Pyridoxine taken by mouth (oral) is available without a prescription. Injectable pyridoxine must be given by a healthcare professional.

Pyridoxine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about pyridoxine?

You should not use pyridoxine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking pyridoxine if you have any medical conditions, if you take other medications or herbal products, or if you are allergic to any drugs or foods.

Before you receive injectable pyridoxine, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or heart disease. Pyridoxine is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you should eat or avoid to help control your condition.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pyridoxine?

You should not use pyridoxine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if:

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  you have any other medical conditions;

  
  


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  you take other medications or herbal products; or

  
  


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  you are allergic to any drugs or foods.

  
  

To make sure you can safely receive injectable pyridoxine, tell your doctor if you have heart disease or kidney disease. FDA pregnancy category A. Pyridoxine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Your pyridoxine dose needs may be different during pregnancy. Do not take pyridoxine without medical advice if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Pyridoxine can pass into breast milk. Your dose needs may be different while you are nursing. High doses of this medication may harm a nursing baby. Do not take pyridoxine without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take pyridoxine?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Injectable pyridoxine is injected into a muscle. You may be shown how to use injections at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

Never use more than the recommended dose of pyridoxine.

The recommended dietary allowance of pyridoxine increases with age. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions. You may also consult the National Academy of Sciences "Dietary Reference Intake" or the U.S. Department of Agriculture's "Dietary Reference Intake" (formerly "Recommended Daily Allowances" or RDA) listings for more information.

Pyridoxine is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you should eat or avoid to help control your condition. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include severe forms of some of the side effects listed in this medication guide.

What should I avoid while taking pyridoxine?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Pyridoxine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

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  decreased sensation to touch, temperature, and vibration;

  
  


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  loss of balance or coordination;

  
  


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  numbness in your feet or around your mouth;

  
  


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  clumsiness in your hands; or

  
  


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  feeling tired.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  nausea;

  
  


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  headache;

  
  


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  drowsiness; or

  
  


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  mild numbness or tingling.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect pyridoxine?

There may be other drugs that can interact with pyridoxine. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Nestrex resources

• Nestrex Side Effects (in more detail)
• Nestrex Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Nestrex Drug Interactions
• Nestrex Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Nestrex - Add your own review/rating

Compare Nestrex with other medications

• Anemia
• Dietary Supplementation
• Drug Induced Vitamin/Mineral Deficiency
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Seizures

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about pyridoxine.

See also: Nestrex side effects (in more detail)