Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

What it is and how it works

Thiamine is converted in the body to thiamine pyrophosphate, an essential coenzyme in carbohydrate metabolism (pyruvate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and transketolase). Deficiency impairs energy production in nerve and heart tissue.

Indications

Prevention and treatment of thiamine deficiency, including beriberi and Wernicke's encephalopathy / Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome, particularly in alcohol dependence, malnutrition, malabsorption, prolonged vomiting and parenteral nutrition.

Dosage and administration (summary)

Oral: for mild chronic deficiency typically 10–25 mg daily; higher doses (100–300 mg daily) are used in alcohol-related deficiency. Parenteral: used when oral intake is not possible or in suspected Wernicke's encephalopathy, at doses set by local protocol; give before glucose in at-risk patients.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to thiamine or to any excipient.

Warnings and precautions

Serious anaphylactic reactions can occur rarely after parenteral, particularly intravenous, administration; facilities for treating anaphylaxis should be available. Intravenous doses should be given slowly or by infusion.

Pregnancy

Requirements increase in pregnancy; supplementation at recommended doses is not expected to cause harm.

Storage and supply

Store below 25 °C, protected from light.

Source: reference summary prepared from the EU SmPC/EPAR, BNF and WHO Model Formulary. The approved product information in Iran governs.