Vitamin B-1 (Generic)

Thiamine (vitamin B1) is used to prevent or treat low levels of vitamin B1 in people who do not get enough of the vitamin from their diets. Most people who eat a normal diet do not need extra vitamin B1. However, some conditions (such as alcoholism, cirrhosis, stomach/intestinal problems) can cause low levels of vitamin B1. Vitamin B1 plays an important role in the body. It is needed to maintain the health of the nerves and the heart. Low levels of vitamin B1 may cause heart failure and mental/nerve problems.

Take this vitamin by mouth with or without food, usually 1 to 3 times daily. Follow all directions on the product package, or take as directed by your doctor. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Use this vitamin regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.

This vitamin usually has no side effects. If you have any unusual effects, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

A very serious allergic reaction to this vitamin is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking thiamine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

During pregnancy, this vitamin has been found to be safe when used in recommended doses. Higher doses during pregnancy should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This vitamin passes into breast milk and is considered to be safe during breast-feeding when used in recommended doses. Consult your doctor for more information.

Different brands of this vitamin have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring.

To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval.

This vitamin may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including uric acid levels, urobilinogen urine test), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this vitamin.

Keep a list of all the products you use. Share the list with your doctor and pharmacist to reduce your risk for serious medication problems.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as thiamine levels) may be performed to monitor your progress. Consult your doctor for more details.

This product is not a substitute for a proper diet. It is best to get your vitamins from healthy foods. Thiamine is commonly found in cereal grains, bread, pork, and beans, among others. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or nutritionist for more details.