provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content

thiamine

Generic
Used for Nutritional Deficiency
Used for Nutritional Deficiency

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is a dietary supplement that's used to raise low blood levels of thiamine. The vitamin B1 (thiamine) oral tablets are available over-the-counter and as lower-cost generics. The injectable version is prescription-only and must be given by a healthcare provider.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on October 31, 2022
BasicsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsDosageCostAlternativesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Vitamin B1 (thiamine)?

What is Vitamin B1 (thiamine) used for?

  • Dietary supplement

How Vitamin B1 (thiamine) works

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is an important vitamin for several processes in your body to work properly. Your body needs thiamine to help turn food you eat into energy. It's also important for the cells in your body to grow, develop, and function.

Are you looking for information on vitamin B complex instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsNo brand available
Drug ClassDietary supplement
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription or over-the-counter
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$12.66(save 71.87%)
GoodRx discount
$3.56
See prices
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

thumbs-up

Pros

Available as a lower cost, generic

Safe for pregnant females

Few to no side effects, if taken as directed

thumbs-down

Cons

Can't give adult vitamin B1 (thiamine) supplements to children without first checking with provider

Injection form is only available with a prescription

Taste of the tablets can be unpleasant for some people

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

pharmacist

  • Store vitamin B1 (thiamine) in a cool and dry place at room temperature in it's original container to protect from light and moisture.

    • Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is found in many other multivitamins and supplements. Make sure to read the manufacturer label carefully of all dietary supplements you're taking to see if it has vitamin B1 (thiamine).

      • There are ways to get vitamin B1 (thiamine) through the food you eat. It's possible that your provider will have you stop taking vitamin B1 (thiamine) supplement if your levels are high enough.

        • Keep vitamin B1 (thiamine) out of reach of children so that they don't accidentally take it. If your child accidentally took vitamin B1 (thiamine), call your local Poison Control Center right away at 1-800-222-1222.

          faqs

          Frequently asked questions about Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

          Why is it important to take vitamin B1 (thiamine) if I need it?
          Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is important for helping you turn the food you eat into energy, which keeps your cells healthy and your body working properly. If you have low vitamin B1 (thiamine) levels, you can experience serious medical problems, such as trouble thinking clearly, nerve problems, and heart problems.
          Should I take a vitamin B1 (thiamine) supplement to boost my health even if my provider didn't specifically say I need one?
          Check with your provider before starting any vitamin B1 (thiamine) supplements. Most people don't typically need a vitamin B1 (thiamine) supplement because they already get enough vitamin B1 (thiamine) from foods, such as whole grains, meat, fish, beans, and seeds. But if you do take in more vitamin B1 (thiamine) than the recommended daily amount, research suggests you're probably not going to experience toxicity, even with high doses. Your body will just get rid of any extra vitamin B1 (thiamine) you don't need through the urine because it's a water-soluble vitamin.
          Is vitamin B1 (thiamine) available as an injection?
          Yes, vitamin B1 (thiamine) is available as an injection by prescription. It's given through the veins (intravenous or IV) by a healthcare provider. It's typically used for people who can't take vitamin B1 (thiamine) by mouth (e.g., people receiving parenteral nutrition) or for people with severely low thiamine levels who need to raise their levels quickly to prevent serious medical conditions, including people with alcohol withdrawal.
          What's the difference between vitamin B1 (thiamine) and vitamin B complex?
          Both vitamin B1 (thiamine) and vitamin B complex are supplements that are available over-the-counter and can be taken by mouth. The main difference is that vitamin B1 (thiamine) only contains one vitamin, whereas vitamin B complex contains multiple B vitamins. Ask your provider which supplement is best for you.
          Can I take vitamin B1 (thiamine) if I'm pregnant?
          Yes, taking vitamin B1 (thiamine) during pregnancy is safe and recommended for pregnant females who need it. This is because thiamine helps with your baby's brain development and health. If you're pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant, talk to your provider to see if a vitamin B1 (thiamine) supplement is right for you. Often times, vitamin B1 (thiamine) is already included in prenatal vitamins, so make sure to check the label if you're taking one.
          GoodRxEducationalIcon

          How to save using GoodRx

          Compare Prices
          1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
          Select your free coupon
          2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
          Show coupon to your pharmacist
          3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
          Get free couponLearn more
          dosage

          Vitamin B1 (thiamine) dosage forms

          The average cost for 30 tablets of 100mg of Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is $3.56 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 71.87% off the average retail price of $12.66.
          tablet
          Tablet
          DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
          100mg30 tablets$3.56$0.12

          Typical dosing for Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

          Different brands of oral vitamin B1 (thiamine) can have different strengths and directions. Please read the manufacturer label of your product for specific directions.

          The example below is for vitamin B1 (thiamine) 100 mg tablets:

          • Adults and children 12 years and older: The typical dose is 1 tablet by mouth once per day.

          • Children younger than 12 years old: Ask your child's provider.

          drug-cost

          How much does Vitamin B1 (thiamine) cost?

          To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
          Vitamin B1 (thiamine) (generic)
          GoodRx lowest price

          $3.56

          (save 71.87%)
          View prices & coupons
          alternatives

          What are alternatives to Vitamin B1 (thiamine)?

          There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Vitamin B1 (thiamine). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
          Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
          Used for:

          • Dietary supplement

          $3.56 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
          Vitamin B Complex
          Used for:

          • Multivitamin supplement

          $68.84 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

          Get savings updates for Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

          Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Vitamin B1 (thiamine) and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

          By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

          Browse medications

          View All

          Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.