Vitamin B1 or thiamine is a vitamin that plays a role in the use of carbohydrates as a source of energy for the body. Thiamine also helps maintain good nerve function. The body's daily intake of vitamin B1 can be obtained through food or supplements. Vitamin B1 is naturally found in whole grains, beef, tuna, salmon, and nuts. In addition, vitamin B1 can also be found in cereals that have been fortified or fortified with this vitamin.

Vitamin B1 supplements are often used to treat vitamin B1 deficiency in people with alcoholism, beriberi, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, regular users of the drug furosemide, people with HIV/AIDS, heart failure, cirrhosis, malabsorption, people undergoing bariatric surgery, or undergoing hemodialysis.

If you can't get enough vitamin B1 from food, your doctor will suggest taking vitamin B1 supplements. Vitamin B1 supplements are available as a single drug, in combination with other B vitamins, or in combination with other vitamins and minerals.

Precautions Before Using Vitamin B1

There are several things to consider before using vitamin B1, including:

Do not take vitamin B1 if you are allergic to synthetic vitamin B1 (thiamine).
Tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have kidney problems and need to get vitamin B1 by injection.
Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.
Tell your doctor if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or coming up with a pregnancy.
See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or an overdose after taking vitamin B1.

How to Use Vitamin B1 Correctly

The dose of vitamin B1 that is injected will be given by a doctor or medical officer on doctor's instructions. The injection will be given intravenously (into a vein) or intramuscularly (into a muscle). Ask your doctor to change your medication if the vitamin B1 liquid is cloudy or contains particles. Follow the doctor's advice and read the information listed on the vitamin B1 package before starting to take it. Vitamin B1 needs to be taken with meals or as directed by a doctor.

Make sure there is sufficient time between doses. Try to take vitamin B1 at the same time to be more effective. If you forget to take vitamin B1, take it immediately when you remember if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose. The use of vitamin B1 is usually combined with dietary changes. Follow the doctor's instructions and avoid foods that should not be eaten. Store vitamin B1 in a place away from direct sunlight, humidity, or heat. Keep drugs out of reach of kids.

Interaction of Vitamin B1 with Other Drugs

When used with certain drugs, vitamin B1 can cause drug interactions. Some medicines that can decrease the effectiveness of vitamin B1 are:

Azithromycin
Clarithromycin
Erythromycin

Side Effects and Dangers of Vitamin B1

Vitamin B1 rarely causes side effects, especially when taken in appropriate doses. However, when given by injection, there are some side effects that can appear at the injection site, namely:

Tingling
Nauseous
Itchy rash
Skin feels warm

Consult a doctor if the above side effects do not improve. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to the drug, such as shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, a skin rash, or swelling of the face, lips, and eyelids.