Parenteral Manual

Thiamine HCl

Disclaimer: Official controlled document is the CHEO online copy. It is the responsibility of user to ensure that any paper copy version is the same as the online version before use.

Alternate Name(s): 
BETAXIN®, Vitamin B1
Classification: 
Vitamin B1
Original Date: 
August 2005
Revised Date: 
December 2019
Indications: 
  • Prophylaxis and treatment of thiamine deficiency
Reconstitution and Stability: 
  • Available as a 100 mg/mL injection
  • Stable at room temperature
  • Protect from light
  • Stable in acidic solutions
  • Addition to IV fluids for any great length of time is not recommended
Compatibility: 

- Solutions Compatible: dextrose up to D10W, NS, dextrose-saline combinations, ringer's solution, ringer's lactate

- Additve/buretrol Compatible: no information

- Y-site Compatible: KCl, TPN (amino acids/dextrose)

- Incompatible: bisulfites, sulfites, copper ions, oxidizing and reducing agents, neutral solutions, alkaline solutions (e.g. sodium bicarbonate, barbiturates)

Administration: 

(For approved routes of administration by nursing personnel, refer to Policy for the Administration of Intravenous Medications.)

SC NO
IM YES, preferred route
- Rapid and complete absorption
IV Direct YES
Usual dilution: 10 mg/mL
Infusion time: 1-2 minutes
IV Intermittent Infusion YES
Usual dilution: 1 mg/mL
Infusion time: at least 20 minutes
IV Continuous Infusion YES, as a component of TPN

 

Dosage: 

(For neonatal dosages, refer to Neonatal IV Drug Manual.)

Thiamine deficiency:
- Pediatric:

  • 10-25 mg/dose IM/IV daily

- Adult:    

  • 5-30 mg/dose IM/IV 3 times a day

Recommended daily allowance (oral):

  • <6 months: 0.2 mg
  • 6-12 months: 0.3 mg
  • 1-3 years: 0.5 mg
  • 4-8 years: 0.6 mg
  • 9-13 years: 0.9 mg
  • 14-18 years:
    - Male: 1.2 mg
    - Female: 1 mg
  • >19 years:
    - Male: 1.2 mg
    - Female: 1.1 mg
Potential hazards of parenteral administration: 
  • Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis
  • Feelings of warmth, weakness, sweating, nausea, restlessness
Notes: 
  • An intradermal test dose is recommended in patients with a history of food or drug allergy or suspected sensitivity to thiamine
  • IV dextrose solutions increase thiamine requirements

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