vitamin b1
Patient Counselling
Patient Counselling Tips:
- Vitamin B1 is a water-soluble vitamin that may be used to treat moderate to severe menstrual pain in adolescents.1
- Take Vitamin B1 100 mg by mouth daily for 90 days. 1 It may take up to 3 months for complete resolution of pain, but there may be some pain relief in the first month. 1 Do not be discouraged if you do not initially feel the effects and continue taking the medication.1
- If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you think about it.2 If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and just take one dose at your normal time.2 Do not take two or more doses at the same time.2
- If pain is resolved after the 90-day treatment, no further treatment is required. 1 If treatment provides partial pain relief, a higher dose of Vitamin B1 may be given, at the advice of your health care provider.1 If there is no response, stop taking Vitamin B1 and talk to your doctor for further investigation.1
- This medication is generally well tolerated, but may cause upset stomach or throwing up.2 Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.2
- Avoid beer, wine, or mixed drinks, as alcohol may decrease the absorption of Vitamin B1.2
- Store the medication at room temperature in a closed container away from heat, moisture, and light.2,3 Do not store in a bathroom.2
References:
1. Gokhale LB. Curative treatment of primary (spasmodic) dysmenorrhoea. Indian J Med Res. 1996;103:227-31.
2. Thiamine. Lexi-Drugs Online. Hudson, OH: Lexi-Comp, Inc. Updated May 28, 2013. http://online.lexi.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/lco/action/doc/retrieve/docid/patch_f/7755. Accessed July 7, 2013.
3. Thiamine. In: CareNotes® System. Greenwood Village, Colo: Thomson Healthcare. Updated periodically. http://www.thomsonhc.com/micromedex. Accessed July 7, 2013.