From the Guidelines
The recommended dose of Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) for managing nausea during pregnancy is 10-25 mg taken orally every 8 hours. This dosage is supported by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and is considered safe during pregnancy with minimal side effects at recommended doses 1. The treatment can begin with 10-25 mg every 8 hours, and if symptoms persist, the dose can be gradually increased up to the maximum daily amount, though most women respond to lower doses. For optimal effectiveness, vitamin B6 should be taken before symptoms become severe, ideally at regular intervals throughout the day.
Some key points to consider when using vitamin B6 for nausea during pregnancy include:
- The severity of vomiting during pregnancy can be quantified with a scoring system, such as the Motherisk Pregnancy Unique Quantification of Emesis score 1
- Diet and lifestyle modification are the initial steps in managing these symptoms in pregnancy, including reducing spicy, fatty, acidic, and fried foods and eating small, frequent, and bland meals 1
- Vitamin B6 is considered a first-line treatment for mild cases of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) and can be combined with doxylamine for enhanced effectiveness in more severe cases 1
- Women should always consult with their healthcare provider before starting any supplement during pregnancy to ensure appropriate dosing for their specific situation.
It's also important to note that vitamin B6 is not the only treatment option for nausea during pregnancy, and other medications such as metoclopramide, ondansetron, and promethazine may be recommended in more severe cases or when first-line treatments are not effective 1. However, the initial recommended dose of vitamin B6 is 10-25 mg taken orally every 8 hours, and this should be discussed with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for individual cases.
From the FDA Drug Label
Directions Adults and Children 18 years and over: 50 mg (1 tablet) daily or as directed by your doctor The recommended dose of Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) for managing nausea during pregnancy is 50 mg daily.
- This dose is based on the directions for adults, which would include pregnant women.
- It is essential to note that the dose may be adjusted as directed by your doctor 2.
From the Research
Vitamin B6 for Nausea During Pregnancy
- The recommended dose of Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) for managing nausea during pregnancy is not strictly defined, but studies suggest that doses up to 40-60mg/day are safe and potentially effective 3.
- A common dosage schedule is 10mg of pyridoxine four times a day, alone or in combination with doxylamine 3.
- Pyridoxine supplementation has been shown to improve symptoms of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, both alone and in combination with other active substances 4.
Efficacy of Vitamin B6
- Studies have demonstrated that pyridoxine supplementation can significantly improve symptoms of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, with beneficial effects seen in both Rhode's score and PUQE score 4.
- The combination of doxylamine and pyridoxine has been shown to be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting symptoms, particularly in women with more severe symptoms 5.
- However, the magnitude of the difference in symptoms scores between doxylamine-pyridoxine and placebo may not be clinically significant in all cases 6.
Safety and Recommendations
- Pyridoxine has been established as safe for use during pregnancy, with no adverse effects reported at doses up to 40-60mg/day 3.
- The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a combination of doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride for the treatment of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy 7.
- In some countries, including the USA, Canada, and Australia, vitamin B6 is officially recommended for the treatment of mild to moderate pregnancy sickness and vomiting 3.