Vitamin B Complex
Mechanism :
B-Complex vitamins consist of these eight vitamins: Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxine, Cyanocobalamin, Biotin and Folic Acid.
Indication :
- The B-complex vitamins include B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12.
- Prophylaxis of vitamin B complex deficiency.
- In disorders requiring parenteral administration of vitamins, i.e. pre- and post-operative treatment.
- When requirements are increased as in fever, severe burns, increased metabolism, pregnancy, gastrointestinal disorders interfering with intake or absorption of vitamins, prolonged or wasting diseases, alcoholism.
Contraindications :
Known hypersensitivity to any of the components is a contraindication for its use.
Dosing :
Prophylaxis:
Infants:
5 ml PO daily.
1-12 years 5 ml PO twice daily.
12-18 years: 5 ml PO three times daily.
Therapeutic:
Infants:
5 ml PO TDS.
1-12 years: 10 ml PO thrice a day.
12-18 years: 15 ml PO thrice a day.
Adverse Effect :
Niacin commonly causes flushing and headache, although this can be avoided by taking it in the form of inositol hexaniacinate. Large doses of riboflavin result in very bright yellow urine.
Interaction :
Phenytoin: Folic acid interacts with phenytoin sodium, as well as other anticonvulsants.
Vitamin C: Large amounts of vitamin C taken within an hour of vitamin B supplements will destroy the cobalamin component.
Niacin: May interfere with glycaemic control in people on antidiabetic drugs.
Isoniazid: Can impair the proper production and utilization of niacin.
Hepatic Dose :
No dosage adjustments are recommended.