Pediatric Beriberi Medication

Updated: Nov 30, 2023
  • Author: Simon S Rabinowitz, MD, PhD, FAAP; Chief Editor: Jatinder Bhatia, MBBS, FAAP  more...
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Medication

Medication Summary

The treatment of choice is thiamine hydrochloride (ie, aneurine hydrochloride, vitamin B-1). In a prospective study of the safety of thiamine hydrochloride, Wrenn et al evaluated 989 patients (1070 doses of 100 mg). [29] A total of 12 adverse reactions (1.1%) were reported. Minor reactions consisting of transient local irritation were observed in 11 patients (1.02%), and only one major reaction occurred (0.093%), consisting of generalized pruritus.

Several thiamine derivatives (eg, thiamine propyl disulfide [TPD], thiamine tetrahydrofurfuryl disulfide [TTFD]) have also been used to treat beriberi. These compounds are barely soluble in water. Even when orally administered, TPD and TTFD produce a higher thiamine level in the blood than thiamine hydrochloride.

If beriberi occurs in a breastfed infant, both the mother and child should be treated with thiamine. The physician should also be aware that thiamine deficiency can occur concurrently with other water soluble vitamin deficiencies.

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Vitamins

Class Summary

These agents are organic substances required by the body in small amounts for various metabolic processes. Vitamins may be synthesized in small or insufficient amounts in the body or may not be synthesized at all, thus requiring supplementation.

Thiamine (Thiamilate)

Essential coenzyme that combines with ATP to form thiamine pyrophosphate. Dosage forms include a parenteral injection (100 mg/mL) and tablets.

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