Generic Name: thiamine (vitamin B1) (THIGH a min)Brand names: Vitamin B1
Thiamine is vitamin B1. Vitamins are naturally occurring substances necessary for many processes in the body. Thiamine is important in the breakdown of carbohydrates (sugars) in the foods we eat into products needed by the body.
Thiamine is used to prevent and to treat deficiencies of thiamine.
Thiamine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Before taking thiamine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements.
Thiamine is in the FDA pregnancy category A. This means that thiamine is considered to be safe for use during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor before taking thiamine if you are pregnant. It is not known whether thiamine passes into breast milk. Do not take thiamine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding.Take thiamine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water. Do not take more thiamine than is prescribed for you or than is directed on the package. Store thiamine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.See also: Thiamine dosage in more detail
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.
Symptoms of a thiamine overdose may include a feeling of warmth, weakness, sweating, nausea, restlessness, difficulty breathing, tightness of the throat, bluish colored skin, and death.
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while taking thiamine unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience
a feeling of warmth;
itching or hives;
weakness;
sweating;
nausea; and
restlessness.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Usual Adult Dose for Beriberi:
10 to 20 mg IM three times daily for up to 2 weeks. Thereafter, use an oral therapeutic multivitamin preparation containing 5 to 10 mg thiamine daily for one month. A complete and balanced diet should follow. Neuritis of pregnancy:If vomiting severe to preclude oral therapy, give 5 to 10 mg IM daily.'Wet' with myocardial failure:Treat as an emergency cardiac condition. Thiamine is administered slowly by the IV route.
Usual Adult Dose for Thiamine Deficiency:
If dextrose administered: to patients with marginal thiamine status, give 100 mg in each of the first few liters of IV fluid to avoid precipitating heart failure.
Usual Adult Dose for Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation:
50 to 100 mg orally once a day
Usual Adult Dose for Wernicke's Encephalopathy:
100 mg IV as an initial dose followed by 50 to 100 mg/day IM or IV until the patient is on a regular, balanced, diet.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Beriberi:
If collapse occurs: 25 mg IV. Administer with caution.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Thiamine Deficiency:
If dextrose administered: to patients with marginal thiamine status, give 100 mg in each of the first few liters of IV fluid to avoid precipitating heart failure.
It is not known whether other drugs will interact with thiamine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines or herbal/health supplements.