The value of vitamin B1 (thiamine) for the human body is difficult to overestimate. Unfortunately, in modern medicine there are quite often cases where additional administration of this substance is simply necessary. It was then that the use of the drug “Thiamine hydrochloride” was indicated. What are the properties of the medicine? In what cases is it necessary? These questions are of interest to many patients.
Thiamine Hydrochloride: Short Description
This tool is released in the form of a solution for intramuscular injection. It is usually colorless (sometimes a slight shade may be present), with a characteristic mild odor. It is placed in neutral glass ampoules. It is released in boxes of 5 or 10 ampoules.
The main active substance in this case is thiamine hydrochloride. 1 ml of the solution contains 50 mg of the main component. As auxiliary substances, purified water for injection, as well as unitiol, are used. By the way, today an analogue of the drug called Benevron is increasingly being used.
The main properties of the drug
Thiamine is a drug that helps normalize the work of the whole body. After all, this vitamin is an indispensable participant in many metabolic reactions. After introduction into the muscle, the solution is rapidly absorbed and spreads throughout the body. Its content is increased in the tissues of the liver, nervous system, as well as in the myocardium and skeletal muscles, since it is here that its consumption is increased.
In the tissues of the body by phosphorylation, thiamine hydrochloride is converted into an active coenzyme of certain metabolic reactions. This substance is involved in the metabolism of lipids, carbohydrates and proteins. In addition, some forms of thiamine affect the transmission of nerve impulses in synapses. The drug is neutralized in the liver tissues, after which it is excreted by the kidneys with urine.
Indications for use
In fact, there are a large number of conditions in which it is advisable to introduce an additional amount of vitamin.
- The main indication in this case is hypovitaminosis or vitamin B1 vitamin deficiency. A similar condition is often observed in people on hemodialysis or tube nutrition.
- The drug is also prescribed in the presence of various dystrophic processes that are observed during starvation, intestinal atony, myocardial dystrophy, and serious liver diseases.
- As a prophylaxis of vitamin deficiency, an additional amount of thiamine is prescribed for people with increased needs, for example, during intensive and rapid growth, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- The drug is also indicated for severe intoxication of the body, including thyrotoxicosis and chronic alcoholism.
- Thiamine helps to cope with some diseases of the nervous system, including various neuralgia, neuritis, paresis and paralysis, radiculitis.
- Some skin lesions, in particular psoriasis, dermatosis, eczema and lichen, are also considered indications for taking a thiamine solution.
The drug "Thiamine hydrochloride": instructions for use
Of course, first you need to consult with a specialist - it is the doctor who determines the daily dose and duration of treatment. Thiamine is a solution for intramuscular administration. As a rule, therapy begins with small doses of the drug. To begin with, no more than 0.5 ml of a 5% solution is administered (this corresponds to 25 mg of the active component). In the event that the drug is well tolerated, the dose is gradually increased.
The recommended amount of thiamine hydrochloride for adult patients is 25-50 mg - they are administered 0.5-1.0 ml of the solution once a day. When it comes to treating children, the daily dose is naturally less and amounts to 0.25 ml of solution (12.5 mg of thiamine). The course of treatment, as a rule, lasts from ten to thirty days.
It is worth noting that oral vitamin intake is more preferred. The injection solution is used only if taking tablets is not possible, which is observed, for example, in the pre- and postoperative period, as well as with malabsorption syndrome, severe nausea, accompanied by vomiting.
Are there any contraindications?
In fact, there are not so many contraindications to the use of the drug “Thiamine hydrochloride”. Naturally, first of all, it is worth noting that the medicine is forbidden to people with hypersensitivity to any of the components of the drug. In addition, it is not prescribed to patients with thiamine hypervitaminosis. The symptoms of an excess of vitamin B1 include increased sweating, tremors, shortness of breath, spasm of the throat. By the way, hypervitaminosis is extremely rare, since thiamine is a non-toxic substance. The most common cause of hypovitaminosis is an overdose of drugs.
Feasible side effects
Fortunately, the drug "Thiamine hydrochloride" is almost completely safe. Only occasionally can side effects occur, which boil down to an allergic reaction. In particular, these include urticaria, the occurrence of skin itching and redness. Quincke edema is sometimes observed. In the most severe cases, anaphylactic shock may develop. If you have such symptoms, you should stop using the medicine and consult your doctor as soon as possible.
By the way, redness, slight swelling, as well as soreness, can occur at the injection site, these are completely normal phenomena. It is worth noting that most often side effects occur in women in the menopause, as well as in people suffering from chronic alcoholism.
Overdose and its symptoms
When using too large doses of the drug "Thiamine hydrochloride" overdose is possible. What are her symptoms? In most cases, there is an increase in side effects. However, other symptoms are possible. People who take too large doses of the solution for a long time often complain of severe headaches. In some cases, tremors occur, as well as increased heart rate. Sometimes insomnia and irritability appear. If you have concerns, it is best to consult a doctor right away. There is no effective antidote to the drug, therefore, for therapeutic purposes, the introduction of the Thiamin Hydrochloride solution is stopped and symptomatic treatment is performed.
Interaction with other drug
Before you start using the medicine, you must tell your doctor about the drugs you are taking, as some drugs do not combine with thiamine. For example, the solution should not be used simultaneously with medicines containing sulfides, since they completely neutralize the specified substance. In turn, pyridoxine slows down the process of converting a thiamine solution into a biologically active form. The simultaneous use of thiamine hydrochloride and cyanocobalamin is prohibited, as the likelihood of developing an allergic reaction increases.
It is also worth noting that vitamin B1 is not stable in alkaline and neutral solutions, so mixing it with citrates, barbiturates and carbonates is not recommended. It is impossible to mix rasters of vitamin and some antibiotics in one syringe, since under the influence of the first antibacterial substances are destroyed. Thiamine Hydrochloride Injection Solution may weaken the effect of depolarizing muscle relaxants. It is also worth noting that during therapy, in no case should you consume alcohol, as ethyl alcohol slows down the rate of absorption of the vitamin.