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Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) Side Effects & Safety

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Safety Profile

Overall safety rating: Safe with Caution

Potential Side Effects

  • Peripheral sensory neuropathy with chronic doses above 200 mg/day — numbness, tingling in extremities
  • Photosensitivity at high doses
  • Nausea and heartburn at high doses
  • Reduced lactation reported at very high doses (>600 mg/day)
  • Standard RDA doses are very well tolerated

Drug & Supplement Interactions

  • Levodopa (without carbidopa) — B6 accelerates peripheral conversion of levodopa, reducing its effectiveness for Parkinson's; does not apply to levodopa/carbidopa combinations
  • Phenobarbital and phenytoin — B6 may reduce serum levels of these anticonvulsants
  • Isoniazid (TB drug) depletes B6 — supplementation recommended during treatment
  • Cycloserine depletes B6 and increases neuropathy risk without supplementation

Maximum Dose

Do not exceed: 100 mg/day (NIH UL); chronic doses above 200 mg/day risk peripheral neuropathy

Full Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) Guide

References

  1. (). Efficacy of vitamin B-6 in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: systematic review. BMJ. DOI
  2. (). Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy. Obstetrics & Gynecology. DOI
  3. (). Vitamin B6 level is associated with symptoms of depression. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics. DOI