The utilization of intravenously infused pyridoxine in humans

The utilization of a usual dose of intravenously infused pyridoxine (100 mg pyridoxine hydrochloride) was investigated in ten healthy males. Blood plasma and erythrocytes were investigated by means of high-performance liquid chromatography. Detectable metabolites in blood plasma were pyridoxine, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, pyridoxal and 4-pyridoxic acid. In erythrocytes pyridoxine, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine 5'-phosphate were found. From their concentration-time curves rate constants of elimination and invasion, volume of distribution (pyridoxine) and the areas under the curves were calculated. Values for conc_max and t_max are reported. A comparison with earlier results of oral pyridoxine administration revealed a better utilization after intravenous than after oral application, i.e. a greater build-up of coenzyme forms. A regulatory phenomenon in erythrocytes caused by high doses of pyridoxine is described. In view of the potential toxicity of pyridoxine the doses used in parenteral nutrition are called into question.