vitamin B6

vitamin B₆

n.

Pyridoxine and related compounds.

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vitamin B,

n a water-soluble vitamin found in nutritional and brewer's yeasts, beans, seeds, wheat germ, nuts, bananas, and avocados. Has been used to maintain cardiovascular health, to remedy deficiencies—including lower levels from taking hydralazine, isoniazid, MAOIs, penicillamine, and theophylline—and to treat morning sickness, asthma, carpal tunnel syndrome, depression, seborrheic dermatitis. Is also used to prevent kidney stones and the side effects from theophylline and photosensitivity. Megadoses may cause sensory neuropathy. Supplementation is contraindicated for those taking levodopa. Caution is advised for children and pregnant or lactating women, for whom the maximum daily dose is 100 mg. May cause neuropathy at large doses. Also called
pyridoxine hydrochloride or
pyridoxal-5-phosphate.