Thiamine Disease Interactions

Thiamine products contain aluminum that may be toxic. Aluminum may reach toxic levels with prolonged parenteral administration if kidney function is impaired. Caution is advised when using in patients with renal disease and in premature neonates as their kidneys are immature.

The B vitamins are readily absorbed in the GI tract following oral administration. However, GI absorption may be decreased in patients with malabsorption syndromes and other conditions. For example, the absorption of thiamine and pyridoxine may commonly be decreased in alcoholics and in patients with cirrhosis. Likewise, riboflavin absorption may be impaired in patients with hepatitis, cirrhosis, or biliary obstruction. When malabsorption of these vitamins is suspected, parenteral administration may be appropriate.