Benfotiamine

Description

Benfotiamine is a medication that is closely related to and derived from Vitamin B1 (Thiamine). It has been shown to provide relief from the pain caused by diabetes when it is out of control. When ingested, Benfotiamine transfers thiamine to the body, thereby elevating the levels of the vitamin in the bloodstream.

This medication can help prevent the side effects and complications that arise from low levels of B1 in the human body. It is available both as a synthetic medical product as well as a naturally occurring substance in garlic, onions and other alliums.

Important Data

Benfotiamine is used for the treatment of individuals with diabetes. The thiamine present in this medication has shown to interfere with the damaging by-products of sugar. This prevents several ailments from occurring.

A high blood sugar level can cause serious ailments in people with diabetes. Some of these are kidney problems, damage to the nerves, loss of vision, sexual dysfunction, and even loss of limbs. It may also lower the prevalence of heart attacks and strokes in individuals.

This drug has also been touted as reducing the effects that age has on the body. It can increase energy levels, promote a good mood and even help in the fight against alcoholism.

Advanced Glycation End Substances (AGEs) are ingested during the consumption of grilled, broiled or fried meat and other products. AGEs have been shown to cause inflammation. Benfotiamine is capable of negating these effects.

Dosage

Always follow the prescription that your doctor has provided. Do not take this medication in a larger or lower dose than prescribed.

This medication should be taken orally.

The total recommended dose for Benfotiamine is 300 mg. This should be divided into two doses of 150 mg, taken daily. You can take this medication with food.

The negative effects of Benfotiamine when taken in doses of several hundred milligrams in one dosage are almost negligible. However, it is recommended for safety’s sake that you stick to the dosing schedule your healthcare provider has assigned to you.

If you missed a dose of Benfotiamine, take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due soon, skip the missed dose and take your scheduled one instead. Do not take two doses together.

In the event of an overdose, call your nearest medical emergency service.

Side Effects

In theory, Benfotiamine should be harmful to certain people. It should cause symptoms like hot flashes, blue tinge to skin, tingling and being short of breath. However, this has not happened in practice. There are no confirmed side effects of taking this medication as long as it is in the correct dose.

There have been studies that show that Benfotiamine must be avoided by patients suffering from untreated cancer in the tumor form. However, these studies do not refer to thiamine in particular.

Contraindications

There are no known interactions of Benfotiamine with other medications. There are some drugs that interact with the human body and increase the need for the vitamin B1. Benfotiamine can actually interact in a positive manner when taken with these medications.