• combines with ATP to form thiamine pyrophosphate (coenzyme needed for  carb. metab)
• most vit.s req. by body are obtained through diet
• alcoholism and malnourishment may affect intake, absorption and utilization of thiamine
• brain is very sensitive to thiamine deficiency

O: rapid

D: depends on degree of deficiency

• coma - unknown origin (w/ admin. of D50 or naloxone)
• DT's
• beri beri (rare)
• Wernicke's encephalopathy

acute episode of delerium - usually caused by withdrawal from EtOH

symptoms include: confusion, disorientation, agitation, fever, tachycardia, hypertension, visual hallucinations and tremors

nervous system problem - not enough thiamine

symptoms - lethargy, fatigue and complications affecting cardiovascular, nervous, GI and muscular systems

symptoms: ataxia, confusion, short term memory impairment, paralysis of muscles responsible for eye movements

often caused by thiamine deficiency esp. in conjunction with carb. ingestion

often due to alcoholism, but can be due to some gastric disorders

• hypotension (from rapid injection or large dose)
• anxiety
• diaphoresis
• N+V
• allergic reaction ( from IV injection, rare), angioedema

Thiamine - dosage and administration

Adult

Thiamine - dosage and administration

Pediatric

pregnancy - A (C is dose exceeds daily allowance)

large IV doses may cause resp. difficulties

anaphylactic reactions have been reported

• used in breakdown of energy molecules such as glucose
• found on membranes of neurons