Vitamin B1 is an over-the-counter and prescription medication used to treat thiamine deficiency, beriberi, certain nerve diseases, and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS). The body needs vitamin B1 to use carbohydrates and maintain proper nerve function. Vitamin B1 is a water-soluble vitamin naturally found in food sources like cereal grains, meat, nuts, beans, and yeast. Vitamin B1 also treats diabetic nerve pain, digestive problems, heart disease, and other conditions. The active ingredient in Vitamin B1 is Thiamine. Thiamine belongs to a class of drugs called vitamins. It works by helping the body cells change carbohydrates into energy. It also conducts nerve signals and plays a role in muscle contraction.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Vitamin B1 from Canada manufactured by Baxter Healthcare in the strength of 100mg/ml ampoules for injection. We also carry the Vitamin B1 100 mg tablets from Canada manufactured Jamieson. There is no generic version of the drug.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Vitamin B1. The most common side effects of Vitamin B1 may include the following:
• Diarrhea;
• Excessive sweating;
• Irritation at the injection site;
• Nausea;
• Upset stomach
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Black, bloody, or tarry stools;
• Coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, itching, wheezing, breathing troubles, tightness in the chest, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
These are not all of the side effects of Vitamin B1. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Vitamin B1 if you are allergic to Thiamine or any ingredient in Vitamin B1. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Have food allergies;
• Have kidney problems
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Vitamin B1 and digoxin, phenytoin, diuretics, etc. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Vitamin B1 is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Your Thiamine dose may be different in pregnancy. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. It is not known if Thiamine passes into breast milk or if it may affect a nursing infant. Use Vitamin B1 precisely as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Injectable Thiamine is injected into your muscle. Your doctor may show you how to administer this injection at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to administer it. Thiamine is only a part of a comprehensive treatment program that may include a special diet. Keep this medicine out of the sight of children. Store at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.