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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Brand Name
Thiamine Hcl
Generic Name
Thiamine Hcl
Active Ingredient
ThiamineCategory
Vitamin C [EPC]
Salt Form
Hydrochloride
Variants
1
Different strengths and dosage forms
| Strength | Form | Route | NDC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 mg/mL | INJECTION, SOLUTION | INTRAMUSCULAR, INTRAVENOUS | 51662-1523 |
Detailed information about Thiamine Hcl
References used for this content
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Before using any prescription or over-the-counter medication for Thiamine Hcl, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Thiamine (Vitamin B1) is an essential water-soluble vitamin belonging to the Vitamin B Complex Member [EPC] class, critical for carbohydrate metabolism and neurological function.
Dosage for Thiamine varies significantly based on the severity of the deficiency and the underlying medical condition. Healthcare providers typically follow these guidelines:
Thiamine is approved for use in children, but doses must be carefully calculated by a pediatrician.
No specific dose adjustments are typically required for patients with kidney disease, as Thiamine is generally non-toxic. However, patients on hemodialysis may require supplemental thiamine as the vitamin is cleared during the dialysis process.
Patients with liver disease, particularly cirrhosis, often have significantly impaired thiamine storage and conversion capabilities. Higher doses are frequently necessary in this population to achieve therapeutic levels.
Older adults may have reduced dietary intake and decreased intestinal absorption. While the standard adult dose is usually appropriate, healthcare providers should monitor for signs of subclinical deficiency.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not 'double up' on doses to catch up.
Thiamine has a very high safety margin because it is water-soluble; excess amounts are usually excreted in the urine. However, extremely high doses (especially via IV) may lead to symptoms such as:
In the event of a suspected overdose, contact your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention immediately.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions exactly. Do not adjust your dose or stop taking Thiamine without medical guidance, especially if being treated for a severe deficiency.
Thiamine is generally exceptionally well-tolerated. Most patients do not experience significant side effects when taken orally at recommended doses. However, some may notice:
These effects are usually transient and disappear as the body adjusts to the supplement.
While extremely rare, serious allergic reactions can occur, particularly after repeated intravenous doses.
> Warning: Stop taking Thiamine and call your doctor or emergency services immediately if you experience:
There are no well-documented adverse effects associated with long-term use of Thiamine at physiological doses. Because it is water-soluble, it does not accumulate in the body to toxic levels like fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). However, chronic high-dose supplementation should always be supervised by a healthcare provider to ensure it does not mask other B-vitamin deficiencies (such as B12 deficiency).
No FDA black box warnings exist for Thiamine. It is considered one of the safest medications in the clinical pharmacopeia. The primary risk is not toxicity, but rather the failure to treat a deficiency in time to prevent permanent neurological damage.
Report any unusual symptoms or persistent side effects to your healthcare provider. Even mild symptoms should be discussed if they interfere with your daily activities.
Thiamine is essential for health, but its administration requires clinical oversight, especially in patients with complex medical histories. The most critical safety consideration is the 'glucose-loading' phenomenon. In malnourished patients, administering intravenous glucose (sugar) before Thiamine can trigger acute Wernicke’s encephalopathy because the glucose metabolism rapidly consumes the body's remaining tiny stores of Thiamine. Healthcare providers should always administer Thiamine before or concurrently with glucose in at-risk patients.
No FDA black box warnings for Thiamine. It is widely recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used appropriately.
There is no routine 'blood test' that perfectly reflects thiamine status in all patients, but healthcare providers may use:
Thiamine itself does not typically cause sedation or cognitive impairment. However, the conditions it treats (like Wernicke’s encephalopathy) can severely impair the ability to drive. Patients should not operate heavy machinery until their healthcare provider confirms their neurological function is stable.
Alcohol consumption is the leading cause of thiamine deficiency in developed countries. Alcohol interferes with thiamine in three ways: it decreases dietary intake, inhibits active transport from the gut, and impairs the liver's ability to convert thiamine into its active form. Patients taking Thiamine for deficiency must avoid alcohol to ensure the treatment is effective.
There is no 'withdrawal syndrome' associated with stopping Thiamine. However, if Thiamine is stopped in a patient with an ongoing deficiency (such as someone with a malabsorption disorder), the symptoms of beriberi or Wernicke’s will likely return. Tapering is generally not required.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions, especially any history of allergies or alcohol use, with your healthcare provider before starting Thiamine.
There are no absolute contraindications where Thiamine must never be used with another drug, as it is a necessary nutrient. However, certain drugs can render Thiamine therapy ineffective.
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Even 'natural' products can change how Thiamine works in your body.
There is no significant cross-sensitivity between Thiamine and other B vitamins. However, patients who are sensitive to 'B-Complex' injections should be tested for sensitivity to the individual components, as the reaction is often due to the Thiamine or the preservative (like benzyl alcohol) rather than the other vitamins.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history, including any previous reactions to vitamin injections, before prescribing Thiamine.
FDA Pregnancy Category A (when used at RDA levels). Thiamine is a naturally occurring nutrient essential for fetal development. During pregnancy, the demand for thiamine increases due to the metabolic needs of the fetus and the mother's increased caloric intake.
Thiamine is actively secreted into breast milk. It is essential for the nursing infant, especially during the first six months of life.
Thiamine is safe and effective for use in children when dosed appropriately. It is used to treat genetic metabolic disorders and nutritional deficiencies. There are no known negative effects on growth when used at recommended levels.
Elderly patients are at a higher risk for subclinical thiamine deficiency due to factors like:
Healthcare providers should have a low threshold for recommending thiamine supplements in the elderly.
As previously noted, Thiamine is cleared by the kidneys. While toxicity is rare, patients with significantly impaired GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate) should be monitored. Patients on peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis are at high risk for thiamine depletion and usually require daily supplementation.
In patients with severe liver disease (Child-Pugh Class C), the ability to store thiamine and convert it to its active TPP form is compromised. These patients may require parenteral (IV/IM) administration even if they are eating, as their internal 'processing' of the vitamin is dysfunctional.
> Important: Special populations, particularly pregnant women and the elderly, require individualized medical assessment to determine the correct dose of Thiamine.
Thiamine's primary molecular role is as a cofactor for the Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex. In the cytosol, glucose is broken down into pyruvate. For that pyruvate to enter the mitochondria and be converted into energy (ATP) via the Krebs cycle, it must be transformed into Acetyl-CoA. This transformation is entirely dependent on Thiamine Pyrophosphate (TPP).
Furthermore, Thiamine plays a non-coenzymatic role in nerve impulse transmission. It is concentrated in the membranes of neurons and is thought to regulate sodium channels and acetylcholine receptors, explaining why deficiency leads so rapidly to neurological 'short-circuiting' (ataxia and confusion).
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | Low to Moderate (Rate-limited active transport) |
| Protein Binding | Minimal (Mostly carried by erythrocytes) |
| Half-life | 1 to 12 hours |
| Tmax (Oral) | 1 to 2 hours |
| Metabolism | Hepatic (Phosphorylation to TPP) |
| Excretion | Renal (100% as metabolites or unchanged drug) |
Thiamine belongs to the Vitamin B Complex Member [EPC] class. It is often grouped with other water-soluble vitamins like Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), and Pyridoxine (B6). Unlike fat-soluble vitamins, it must be replenished frequently because the body cannot store it in significant amounts.
Common questions about Thiamine Hcl
Thiamine, also known as Vitamin B1, is primarily used to treat and prevent thiamine deficiency, which can lead to serious conditions like beriberi and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. It is essential for converting the carbohydrates you eat into energy for your brain, heart, and nervous system. Doctors often prescribe it for patients with chronic alcohol use disorder, as alcohol severely blocks the body's ability to absorb this vitamin. It is also used in patients with malabsorption issues, such as those who have had gastric bypass surgery. Additionally, it may be used as a supplement during pregnancy or for individuals with high metabolic demands.
Thiamine is generally very safe, and most people do not experience any side effects when taking it at standard doses. Some individuals may report mild nausea, a 'full' feeling in the stomach, or mild skin flushing. If given as an injection, there may be temporary pain or redness at the site of the needle. In very rare cases, people might experience a mild rash or itching. Because it is a water-soluble vitamin, your body typically flushes out any excess through your urine, which prevents most toxic side effects. Always report any new or unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider.
While there is no dangerous chemical 'reaction' between alcohol and Thiamine, drinking alcohol is highly counterproductive. Alcohol actively blocks the transporters in your intestines that allow Thiamine to enter your bloodstream and prevents your liver from activating the vitamin. If you are taking Thiamine to treat a deficiency, continuing to drink alcohol may prevent the treatment from working, leading to permanent nerve or brain damage. Most healthcare providers strongly advise avoiding alcohol while being treated for thiamine deficiency. Discuss your alcohol intake honestly with your doctor to ensure you receive the correct dose.
Yes, Thiamine is considered safe and is actually essential during pregnancy. It is classified as FDA Pregnancy Category A when taken at the recommended daily allowance levels. Pregnant women have a higher requirement for Thiamine to support the developing baby's brain and energy needs. It is especially important for women suffering from severe morning sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum), as constant vomiting can quickly deplete thiamine stores and put both mother and baby at risk. However, you should always consult your obstetrician before starting any new supplement. They will ensure the dose is appropriate for your specific stage of pregnancy.
The speed at which Thiamine works depends on the severity of the deficiency and how it is administered. For acute, life-threatening conditions like 'Wet Beriberi' or Wernicke’s encephalopathy, intravenous Thiamine can show noticeable improvements in heart function or eye coordination within hours. For milder deficiencies or general supplementation, it may take several days or weeks of consistent oral use to feel an increase in energy levels or a reduction in nerve tingling. It is vital to continue taking the medication for the full duration prescribed by your doctor, even if you start feeling better quickly. Brain and nerve recovery can continue for months after treatment begins.
You can generally stop taking Thiamine suddenly without experiencing withdrawal symptoms, as it is a vitamin rather than a habit-forming medication. However, if you are taking it to manage a chronic condition like malabsorption or a genetic metabolic disorder, stopping it could cause your deficiency symptoms to return. For patients with a history of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, stopping supplementation could lead to a relapse of neurological issues. You should always talk to your healthcare provider before discontinuing any prescribed supplement. They can help you determine if your dietary intake is sufficient to maintain healthy levels without a pill.
If you miss a dose of Thiamine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, simply skip the missed one and go back to your regular routine. You should never take two doses at once to make up for a missed one. While missing a single dose of a vitamin is rarely an emergency, consistency is key for treating a diagnosed deficiency. If you find yourself frequently forgetting doses, consider using a pill organizer or setting a daily alarm. If you miss several days of a high-dose prescription, contact your doctor for advice.
There is no evidence that Thiamine causes weight gain directly. In fact, because Thiamine is essential for a healthy metabolism and converting food into energy, it helps your body process nutrients more efficiently. However, in patients being treated for 'Wet Beriberi,' Thiamine helps the body clear excess fluid (edema), which can actually lead to a decrease in 'water weight.' Conversely, if someone was very ill and malnourished, they might gain healthy weight as their appetite and energy return during treatment. If you notice unexpected or rapid weight gain while taking any supplement, you should discuss it with your healthcare provider.
Thiamine can be taken with most medications, but there are a few important exceptions. Certain chemotherapy drugs like 5-Fluorouracil and loop diuretics like furosemide can interfere with how your body uses or keeps Thiamine. It is generally safe to take with other vitamins, and it is often included in a B-complex supplement because B vitamins work best together. However, you should always provide your doctor or pharmacist with a full list of your current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. This helps them monitor for any subtle interactions that could affect your treatment's success.
Yes, Thiamine is widely available as a generic medication and is very affordable. You can find Thiamine Hydrochloride in various strengths at most pharmacies and health food stores without a prescription. However, high-dose versions and injectable forms typically require a prescription from a healthcare provider. Generic Thiamine is chemically identical to brand-name versions and must meet the same FDA standards for quality and purity. Whether you choose a generic or a brand-name supplement, ensure it is from a reputable manufacturer. Your pharmacist can help you select a high-quality generic option.
Other drugs with the same active ingredient (Thiamine)