Is Pyridoxine Safe to Take?
Pyridoxine (vitamin B
6) is a relatively safe substance, especially when taken at reasonable dosages. However, some people may be more likely to experience problems due to the vitamin. You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking pyridoxine if you:
- Have had a coronary stent
- Have any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives
- Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
- Are breastfeeding.
You should also be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Specific Warnings and Precautions
Warnings and precautions to be aware of concerning the safety of pyridoxine include the following:
- Preliminary evidence suggests that pyridoxine (in combination with folic acid and vitamin B12) may actually do more harm than good when used after coronary stenting. This combination of supplements may actually increase the risk of re-narrowing ("restenosis") of the coronary artery.
- Pyridoxine toxicity is possible, especially with high doses. Although the symptoms of toxicity (such as numbness or tingling sensations) are usually reversible once the vitamin is stopped, some severe cases may cause long-lasting problems.
- Pyridoxine can interact with some medications (see Drug Interactions With Pyridoxine for more information).
- Normal intakes of pyridoxine are safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women (see Vitamin B6 and Pregnancy and Vitamin B6 and Breastfeeding).
