Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

Vitamin
ALSO SOLD WITHOUT PRESCRIPTION

Vitamin B6 is a vitamin found in 1 medicine sold in India, such as Shelcal XT. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

Also called: pyridoxine, pyridoxal phosphate, pyridoxal 5 phosphate

What it is used for

Supports nerves and blood; given with TB medicines and for some nausea in pregnancy.

How it works

Pyridoxine, needed for nerves and making neurotransmitters; given with isoniazid and sometimes for pregnancy nausea.

How to take it

Usually 10 to 50 mg a day; do not exceed 100 mg a day long term.

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Headache

Get medical help straight away if

Numbness or tingling in hands and feet (nerve damage with high doses over months)

Be careful

Long-term high doses can damage nerves (tingling, numbness).

Other medicines and interactions

High doses reduce the effect of levodopa (without carbidopa) and phenytoin.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Low doses are used for pregnancy nausea on medical advice; safe while breastfeeding at usual doses.

Combination medicines that contain Vitamin B6 (1)

Shelcal XT

Common questions

What is Vitamin B6 used for?

Supports nerves and blood; given with TB medicines and for some nausea in pregnancy.

How does Vitamin B6 work?

Pyridoxine, needed for nerves and making neurotransmitters; given with isoniazid and sometimes for pregnancy nausea.

How should I take Vitamin B6?

Usually 10 to 50 mg a day; do not exceed 100 mg a day long term.

What are the side effects of Vitamin B6?

Common: Nausea, headache. Get help straight away for: Numbness or tingling in hands and feet (nerve damage with high doses over months).

Does Vitamin B6 interact with other medicines?

High doses reduce the effect of levodopa (without carbidopa) and phenytoin.

Is Vitamin B6 safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Low doses are used for pregnancy nausea on medical advice; safe while breastfeeding at usual doses.

Does Vitamin B6 need a prescription in India?

It is usually sold without a prescription in India, but ask a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have a long-term illness.

Which brands contain Vitamin B6?

Shelcal XT.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.