Interactions with Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Supplementation with vitamins B1, B2, and B6 (10 mg each) at the start of tricyclic antidepressant therapy improved cognitive functioning and depression ratings in 14 geriatric patients undergoing treatment with nortriptyline titrated to doses yielding blood levels between 50 to 150 ng/mL (Bell, et al. 1992). B vitamins may augment the treatment of depression in elderly patients.

Phenytoin

Children receiving the anticonvulsant drug diphenylhydantoin have displayed subnormal urinary excretions of riboflavin (Lewis et al. 1975).

Tetracycline

In one study, the bioavailability of tetracycline hydrochloride was reduced significantly by concomitant administration of vitamin B complex to healthy subjects (Omray 1981). Patients should be cautioned to take vitamin B complex supplements at different times from tetracycline.

References

Bell, IR, Edman JS, Morrow FD, et al. Brief communication. Vitamin B1, B2, and B6 augmentation of tricyclic antidepressant treatment in geriatric depression with cognitive dysfunction. J Am Coll Nutr. 1992;11(2):159-163.

Lewis JA, Baer MT, Laufer MA. Urinary riboflavin and creatinine excretion in children treated with anticonvulsant drugs [letter]. Am J Dis Child. 1975;129:394.

Omray A. Evaluation of pharmacokinetic parameters of tetracylcine hydrochloride upon oral administration with vitamin C and vitamin B complex. Hindustan Antibiot Bull. 1981;23(VI):33-37.

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