Vitamin A

Vitamin A, D & Combinations · Vitamin A

Indications

Vitamin A (retinol) deficiencies, vitamin A deficiencies associated with ocular defects (particularly xerophthalmia) and an increased susceptibility to infections.

Dosage

Adults: Vitamin A deficiency without corneal changes: 100,000 units daily for 3 days, followed by 50,000 units daily for 2 wk. Severe Vitamin A deficiency with xerophthalmia: 500,000 units daily for 3 days then 50,000 units daily for 14 days, then 10,000-20,000 units daily for 2 mth. Children: Vitamin A deficiency: Orally. Neonate, 5000 units daily; 1 mth-1 yr, 5000 units daily with or after food; 1-18 yr, 10,000 units daily with or after food. Higher doses may be used initially for treatment of severe deficiency. Prevention of deficiency in complete biliary obstruction: By IM injection. Neonate, 50, 000 units once a mth; 1 mth-1 yr, 50,000 units once a mth.

Adverse Effects

Irritability, vertigo, lethargy, malaise, fever, headache, drying or cracking of skin, hypercalcaemia, weight loss, visual changes, hypervitaminosis A.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to vitamin A. Precautions: Patients should be closely monitored. Evaluate other sources of vitamin A.

Interactions

Retinoids, cholestyramine resin.

Advice to Patient

Take with meals.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Readily absorbed from GI tract. Metabolism: Hepatic. Half-life elimination: 1.9 hrs. Excretion: Urine. Faeces.

Brands with this active ingredient

• Advit
• Codli-AD
• Fertin
• Ophth-vit A
• Seven Seas
• Sundrop AD
• Vadoral
• Vitamin A

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.