THIAMINE (Vitamin B-1)

Brand & Generic Names

Betalin S
Betaxin
Bewon
Biamine
Numerous other multiple vitam	in-mineral supplements. Check
labels.

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? No
• Available as generic? Yes
• Drug class: Vitamin supplement

Uses

• Dietary supplement to promote normal growth, development and health.
• Treatment for beri-beri (a thiamine-deficiency disease).
• Dietary supplement for alcoholism, cirrhosis, overactive thyroid, infection, breast-feeding, absorption diseases, pregnancy, prolonged diarrhea, burns.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet or liquid--Swallow with beverage or food to lessen stomach irritation.

When to take:
At the same time each day.

If you forget a dose:
Take when remembered. Return to regular schedule.

What drug does:
Promotes normal growth and development.
Combines with an enzyme to metabolize carbohydrates.

Time lapse before drug works:
15 minutes.

Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Increased severity of adverse reactions and side effects.

WHAT TO DO:

Overdose unlikely to threaten life. If person takes much larger amount than prescribed, call doctor, poison-control center or hospital emergency room for instructions.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

Hives, rash, intense Seek emergency itching, faintness treatment immediately. soon after a dose (anaphylaxis) (injection only).

Common:

None expected.

Infrequent:

None expected.

Rare:

• Wheezing.
• Rash or itchy skin.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:
You are allergic to any B vitamin.

Before you start, consult your doctor:
If you have liver or kidney disease.

Over age 60:
No problems expected.

Pregnancy:
No problems expected. Consult doctor.

Breast-feeding:
No problems expected. Consult doctor.

Infants & children:
No problems expected.

Prolonged use:
No problems expected.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No problems expected.

Discontinuing:
No problems expected.

Others:
A balanced diet should provide enough thiamine for healthy people to make supplement unnecessary. Best dietary sources of thiamine are whole-grain cereals and meats.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Barbiturates*	Decreased thiamine effect.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	None expected.
Carbonates,	Decreased thiamine
citrates (additives	effect.
Cocaine:	None expected.
Carbonates,	Decreased thiamine
citrates (additives	effect.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected.