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Thiamine Hydrochloride: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Thiamine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B1) is indicated for the following: Established / Approved Uses Prevention and treatment of thiamine deficiency and more.

Forms:TabletIM/IV Injection

About Thiamine Hydrochloride

Indications of Thiamine Hydrochloride

Thiamine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B1) is indicated for the following:

Established / Approved Uses

  • Prevention and treatment of thiamine deficiency, including dietary deficiency and deficiency due to malabsorption, chronic illness, or increased requirement.
  • Treatment of beriberi (dry and wet forms), including infantile beriberi with acute cardiovascular collapse.
  • Treatment and prevention of Wernicke's encephalopathy and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, particularly in patients with chronic alcohol use disorder or severe malnutrition.
  • Neuritis of pregnancy (peripheral neuropathy associated with severe vomiting/malnutrition in pregnancy).

Guideline-Supported / Adjunct Uses

  • Prophylaxis against thiamine deficiency in patients receiving intravenous dextrose/glucose who have marginal thiamine status (e.g. chronic alcohol use, prolonged fasting, malnutrition), to reduce the risk of precipitating Wernicke's encephalopathy.
  • Supportive therapy in cardiovascular disease attributable to thiamine deficiency (e.g. "wet" beriberi with high-output heart failure).
  • Nutritional supplementation in conditions with increased thiamine requirement or loss, such as chronic dialysis, prolonged parenteral nutrition, bariatric surgery, and gastrointestinal disorders causing malabsorption.

Thiamine Hydrochloride is not indicated as a general-purpose analgesic, sedative, or treatment for conditions unrelated to thiamine deficiency, and unsupported claims (e.g. for unrelated neuropathies without documented deficiency) are not established indications.

Dosage & Administration of Thiamine Hydrochloride

Adult Dosage

IndicationTypical Adult Dosage
Dietary thiamine deficiency (mild, oral)5–30 mg orally per day (single or divided doses), for 1 month, depending on severity
Beriberi10–20 mg intramuscularly, three times daily, for up to 2 weeks, followed by an oral maintenance dose
Wernicke's encephalopathy / Wernicke-Korsakoff syndromeAn initial dose of 100 mg intravenously or intramuscularly, followed by 50–100 mg daily (IM or IV) until the patient resumes a normal diet; higher doses are used in some hospital protocols under specialist supervision
Prophylaxis with IV dextrose in at-risk patients100 mg administered before or with the first liter of intravenous dextrose-containing fluid
Neuritis of pregnancy with severe vomiting5–10 mg intramuscularly per day

Pediatric Dosage

IndicationTypical Pediatric Dosage
Infantile beriberi with acute cardiovascular collapse25 mg intravenously as a single dose (administered cautiously), followed by 10 mg intramuscularly daily for approximately 1 week
Dietary deficiency (oral)0.5–1.5 mg per day depending on age, adjusted to clinical severity and physician guidance

Renal/Hepatic Impairment

No well-established formal dose adjustment is required for renal or hepatic impairment, as Thiamine Hydrochloride has a wide margin of safety and excess is renally excreted; however, caution and monitoring are advised in patients with significant renal impairment receiving prolonged high-dose parenteral therapy.

Administration

Oral tablets may be taken with or without food. Intramuscular injection should be given deep into a large muscle. Intravenous administration should be given slowly, as rapid IV administration of thiamine has been associated with rare but serious hypersensitivity/anaphylactoid reactions (see Precautions and Warnings).

Side Effects of Thiamine Hydrochloride

Thiamine Hydrochloride is generally very well tolerated, particularly with oral use. Reported adverse effects include:

Common (mostly with oral use)

  • Mild gastrointestinal upset (nausea)
  • Mild warmth or tingling sensation

Uncommon to Rare (more often associated with parenteral, especially IV, administration)

  • Local injection-site pain, tenderness, or induration
  • Sweating, weakness, restlessness
  • Pruritus (itching) and skin flushing

Rare but Serious

  • Hypersensitivity/anaphylactoid reactions, including urticaria, angioedema, throat tightness, and, very rarely, life-threatening anaphylaxis and cardiovascular collapse — reported predominantly with rapid intravenous administration of high doses, and more often with repeated parenteral exposure (see Precautions and Warnings).

Contraindications of Thiamine Hydrochloride

Thiamine Hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with a known history of hypersensitivity to thiamine, thiamine hydrochloride, or any component of the specific formulation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Thiamine Hydrochloride

What is Thiamine Hydrochloride used for?

Thiamine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B1) is used to prevent and treat thiamine deficiency, beriberi, and Wernicke's encephalopathy, and is often given to patients with chronic alcohol use disorder, malnutrition, or malabsorption.

Can I take Thiamine Hydrochloride if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Thiamine Hydrochloride at recommended dietary allowance doses is generally considered safe in pregnancy and lactation and is often recommended for deficient women, but doses above the RDA should be used only if clearly needed, with the potential benefit justifying potential risk; consult your physician before use.

Is Thiamine Hydrochloride safe to take every day?

Yes, oral Thiamine Hydrochloride at typical supplement doses is generally safe for daily use. Higher parenteral doses should only be given under medical supervision.

What are the side effects of Thiamine Hydrochloride injection?

Injectable Thiamine Hydrochloride can rarely cause hypersensitivity or anaphylactoid reactions, especially with rapid intravenous administration of high doses, including itching, flushing, throat tightness, and, very rarely, severe allergic reactions; it should be given slowly by a healthcare professional.

Who should not take Thiamine Hydrochloride?

Thiamine Hydrochloride is contraindicated in anyone with a known history of hypersensitivity to thiamine or thiamine hydrochloride.

What happens if I take too much Thiamine Hydrochloride?

Thiamine Hydrochloride has a wide safety margin and excess is usually excreted in urine, but if you suspect an overdose or notice symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling, or severe dizziness, seek immediate medical attention or contact emergency/poison control services.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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