PEFLOREN

Description

Indications
The prevention and management of Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) deficiency, Treatment of sideroblastic anaemias, homocystinuria or primary hyperoxaluria, Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) dependency in infants
Pharmacological class
Vitamins
Pharmacological properties
Neurolytic
Mechanism of action
Pyridoxine is converted in erythrocytes to pyridoxal phosphate and to a lesser extent pyridoxamine phosphate, which act as coenzymes for various metabolic functions affecting protein, carbohydrate, and lipid utilization
Side effects
Nausea, headache, paresthesia, somnolence and low serum folic acid concentrations have been reported, Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) is relatively nontoxic at normal doses however long-term administration of high doses is associated with the development of severe peripheral neuropathies.
Contraindications
Patients with the history of Hypersensitivity to pyridoxine hydrochloride
Drug interactions
Pyridoxine increases the peripheral metabolisation of levodopa, when levodopa is combined with carbidopa this effect is prevented. Isoniazid, cycloserine, pyrazinamide and penicillamine may antagonise the effects of pyridoxineand lead to a secondary deficiency. Patients taking oestrogens e.g. oral contraceptives have higher Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) requirements.