5.2.7.5. Pyridoxine supplementation

Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) supplementation is recommended in children and adolescents living with HIV and in malnourished children and adolescents who are treated for TB, at a dosage of 0.5–1 mg/kg/day. Children weighing up to 25 kg receive half a 25 mg tablet or quarter of a 50 mg tablet (6). Supplementation with pyridoxine aims to prevent symptomatic pyridoxine deficiency, which presents as peripheral neuropathy, especially in children with severe malnutrition and children living with HIV. Pyridoxine dosages may be increased to 2–5 mg/kg/day if peripheral neuropathy develops, characterized by pain, burning or tingling in the hands or feet, numbness or loss of sensation in the arms and legs, or muscle cramps or muscle twitching.

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