Should we know exactly what Vitamin B1 or Thiamine tablets are?

Did your doctor prescribe you a pill called Thiamine? Or have you heard of Vitamin B1? Actually, they are the same thing. Most of the time, this medicine is prescribed to us when the level of thiamine in the body is low, to treat it or to prevent that condition from occurring. So, what is thiamine? What kind of service does it provide to our body? Let's talk about everything simply and clearly.

What really happens with this medicine?

Simply put, thiamine is vitamin B1. It is one of the most important B vitamins. It is essential for several key functions in our body.

Think about the food we eat. When we eat rice, vegetables, meat and fish, the nutrients in them do not directly provide energy to our bodies. To convert that food into energy, just like putting gasoline in a car makes the engine run, our bodies need helpers. Thiamine plays a very important role in the process of producing that energy.

Not only that, there are other important things:

• Nervous system health: Thiamine helps the nerves that run from our brain to our entire body function properly. This means that it indirectly affects our memory, thinking ability, and control of body movements.
• Heart function: Thiamine is also needed for the heart muscle to function properly.
• Digestive system: Another function of thiamine is to help the body properly digest the food we eat and absorb nutrients from it.

So, when the thiamine level in the body decreases, it can affect all of these processes. That's when the doctor will prescribe you this pill.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before giving you thiamine tablets, your doctor will ask you some questions. However, there are a few things you should definitely tell him. Don't hide these things, because they are very important for your safety.

How should I use the medicine?

This is very simple.

• Take this pill with a glass of water .
• Follow the instructions given to you by your doctor and the instructions on the medicine package exactly.
• For best results, it is best to take this medication with a meal. This will help the medication be absorbed more easily.
• Take the medicine at the prescribed time and at the prescribed intervals as prescribed by the doctor. If it says one a day, it means one, and if it says two, it means two. Never take more than the prescribed amount.

If you give it to children...

If you are giving this medicine to children, be sure to talk to your doctor about it. Sometimes doctors prescribe it for children, but there are special considerations to be made. Things like dosage are different for them.

What to do if you take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

We all forget to take our medicine sometimes. If that happens, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once. Doing so can increase the amount of medicine you take.

Things to keep in mind when taking medication

• A good diet: Taking a vitamin pill should not stop you from eating a good, balanced diet. It is essential. A vitamin pill is only a supplement, not a replacement for a meal.
• Foods rich in thiamine: Foods like yeast, beans, nuts like lentils, chickpeas, pork, beef, and whole grains naturally contain this vitamin. Include as many of these foods in your diet as possible.
• Bad habits: Things like drinking alcohol, smoking, and excessive stress can reduce the body's absorption of vitamins. Therefore, staying away from these is very good for your health.

Possible side effects of the medicine

Thiamine is a very safe vitamin that generally does not cause any major side effects. Most people do not experience any problems. However, in very rare cases, someone may have an allergic reaction. If this happens, seek medical advice immediately.

If you experience anything unusual that is not mentioned on this list, please contact your doctor for advice.

How should you store your medicine?

• Keep away from children. This is very important.
• Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius). Protect from excessive heat and direct sunlight. Do not store medication in areas with high humidity, such as the bathroom.
• Discard any medication that has passed its expiration date .