How do you take Pyridoxine Hydrochloride?

For general vitamin B6 deficiency, adults usually take 25 mg to 50 mg one to three times daily. Common brands like Emzor Vitamin B6 50 mg Tablet or Timec Pyridoxine Hydrochloride Tablets make this easy. You can take it with or without food, but taking it with food may reduce any stomach upset. If you are taking it to prevent nerve problems from TB drugs like isoniazid, your doctor will usually prescribe 10 mg to 25 mg daily.

What are the side effects of Pyridoxine Hydrochloride?

Mild nausea or stomach upset, headache, feeling sleepy or drowsy, tingling or numbness (usually only with very high doses taken over a long time)

Who should not take Pyridoxine Hydrochloride?

People who are allergic to pyridoxine or any ingredient in the tablet should not take it. People should avoid taking very high doses (above 200 mg daily) for a long time without medical supervision, as this can cause nerve damage.

OTC

Vitamin (B-complex vitamin)

Pyridoxine Hydrochloride

Last reviewed July 2026

Who is this for?

For adults (18+). Standard adult dosing applies: see the How to Take tab for full instructions.

What is this drug?

Pyridoxine Hydrochloride is Vitamin B6, a water-soluble vitamin that helps your body break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates properly, and also supports your nervous system and brain function.

How it works

Acts as a coenzyme in amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and haemoglobin formation by serving as a prosthetic group for aminotransferases, decarboxylases, and other pyridoxal phosphate-dependent enzymes, thereby correcting deficiency-related neurological and haematological manifestations.

What is it used for?

Vitamin B6 deficiency, numbness and tingling in hands and feet caused by certain medications (like TB drugs), morning sickness in pregnancy, anaemia (low blood), seizures in newborns due to B6 deficiency, premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

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Available Over The Counter

Get this from any pharmacy or chemist: no prescription needed.

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What to watch out for

Buy only from reputable pharmacies. Brands like Emzor Vitamin B6 or Timec are well known in Nigeria, so avoid unbranded or suspicious-looking products from roadside sellers. Do not assume that because it is a vitamin, more is better, as taking too much Vitamin B6 over time can actually damage your nerves. If you are taking it alongside TB drugs, do not stop on your own without your doctor's approval.

Common Side Effects

Mild nausea or stomach upset
headache
feeling sleepy or drowsy
tingling or numbness (usually only with very high doses taken over a long time)

Serious Side Effects

Severe numbness
loss of feeling
or difficulty walking (this can happen if you take very high doses for a long time, so stop and see a doctor immediately). Serious allergic reaction with swelling of face
difficulty breathing
or skin rash: go to the hospital right away.

Drug Interactions

Pyridoxine can reduce the effectiveness of levodopa (a drug used for Parkinson's disease), so let your doctor know if you are on that medication. If you are taking isoniazid or cycloserine for TB treatment, your doctor may actually prescribe pyridoxine alongside it to protect your nerves. Phenytoin (a seizure medication) levels may be reduced by high-dose Vitamin B6.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Pyridoxine is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding at recommended doses. In fact, doctors often prescribe it to help with morning sickness, but always confirm the dose with your doctor.

Who Should NOT Take This

People who are allergic to pyridoxine or any ingredient in the tablet should not take it. People should avoid taking very high doses (above 200 mg daily) for a long time without medical supervision
as this can cause nerve damage.

How to Store

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat, as Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it in your car or near a window. Keep the container tightly closed to protect from moisture, and always keep it out of reach of children.

For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.