What is Thiamine Mononitrate: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Medically reviewed by Karen BergerPharm.D.
Licensed Pharmacist
Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 31, 2020
Fact Checked

Thiamine Mononitrate overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Optimum Vitamin B1 

  • Sundown Naturals B 

  • Nature Made B1, and others

Generic Names:

  • Thiamine 

  • Thiamine hydrochloride

  • Thiamine mononitrate

  • Vitamin B1

Uses:

  • To prevent and treat thiamine deficiency (not enough thiamine in the body)

  • To treat beriberi, a more severe thiamine deficiency that causes muscle loss and nerve problems. Beriberi is rare in the United States. 

  • To prevent and treat a brain condition due to low thiamine levels called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which is often seen in people with alcohol use disorder

  • To lower the risk of developing cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eye)

  • To reduce kidney damage in people with diabetes

  • To help menstrual cramps

  • It is sometimes used for other conditions, such as heart disease, but is not considered to be effective

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Vitamins; B vitamins

Forms:

  • Tablet

  • Capsule/soft gel

  • Liquid

  • Lozenges

  • Injectable 

  • In addition to availability as a single-ingredient B1 vitamin, thiamine can also be found in multivitamins and B complex vitamins.

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

  • Injection (for severe deficiencies)

What is Thiamine Mononitrate used for?

Thiamine can be used to prevent or treat vitamin B1 deficiencies due to various causes. 

Key takeaways

  • Take thiamine as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not take more than prescribed.

  • Follow any dietary changes recommended by your healthcare provider. 

  • Be sure your doctor knows about all your medical conditions and all the medications you take, especially if you take Lasix (furosemide), Dilantin (phenytoin), or Lanoxin (digoxin). 

What form(s) does Thiamine Mononitrate come in

  • Oral tablets

    • 50 milligrams (mg)

    • 100 mg

    • 250 mg

  • Oral capsules

    • 100 mg

    • 500 mg

  • Oral drops

  • Injection 

    • Intramuscular injection 100 mg/mL

    • Intravenous injection 100 mg/mL

What are common Thiamine Mononitrate doses?

Ask a healthcare provider for more information about dosing, as it is based on individual needs. The following are some general dosing guidelines.

  • For thiamine deficiency: 5 to 300 mg daily for one month (depending on the severity of the deficiency; people with more severe deficiencies will need higher doses)

  • For kidney damage in people with diabetes: 100 mg 3 times daily for 3 months

  • For menstrual cramps: 100 mg daily for up to 90 days

  • As a dietary supplement in adults: 1 to 2 mg per day (these smaller doses are found in multivitamins/B complex vitamins)

  • For Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome: injections (by a healthcare professional) of 5 to 200 mg once daily for two days. High doses of thiamine may improve muscle coordination and confusion, but usually do not help memory loss.

Common Thiamine Mononitrate prescriptions

  • Thiamine Mononitrate
    100 tablets bottle

  • Thiamine Mononitrate
    100 tablets box

  • Thiamine Mononitrate
    100mg tablet

How to take Thiamine Mononitrate

  • Your doctor will tell you how much and when to take your medicine. Keep all medicine out of reach and out of sight of children and pets.

  • You may take your medicine with or without food. 

  • Your healthcare provider may also recommend certain dietary changes.

  • Measure your oral liquid drops using the enclosed marked measuring dropper.

  • Missing a dose is generally not a cause for concern.

What to do if you miss a dose of Thiamine Mononitrate

  • Take the missed dose as soon as possible.

  • Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose.

  • You should not use two doses at the same time.

Thiamine Mononitrate contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to thiamine (Vitamin B-1).

Thiamine Mononitrate warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you become pregnant.

  • Tell your doctor if you are allergic to thiamine or any ingredients in the product. 

  • Let your healthcare provider know if you drink alcohol, if you have any medical conditions such as kidney problems (especially if you are on dialysis), or if you have problems absorbing food.

Thiamine Mononitrate interactions

  • Let your healthcare provider know about all the other medications you take, including prescription and OTC drugs, vitamins, and nutritional supplements.

  • Although thiamine is not known to interact with medications, certain drugs, such as Lasix (furosemide), Dilantin (phenytoin), or Lanoxin (digoxin), may lower thiamine levels

Thiamine Mononitrate side effects

Side effects of thiamine may include:

  • Flushing

  • Itching

  • Weakness

  • Sweating

  • Nausea

  • Feeling restless

Those who receive an injection may experience some pain or discomfort around the injection site. 

Serious allergic reactions may occur in rare cases. If you have symptoms of hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, get emergency medical help. 

Sources:

Medically reviewed by Karen BergerPharm.D.
Licensed Pharmacist

After receiving her doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Karen Berger, Pharm.D., has worked in both chain and independent community pharmacies. She currently works at an independent pharmacy in New Jersey. Dr. Berger enjoys helping patients understand medical conditions and medications—both in person as a pharmacist, and online as a medical writer and reviewer.

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