Vitamin A
Description
The primary constituent of Vitamin A is Vitamin A. This vitamin is essential for good eyesight, skin, bone growth, immunity, cell functions, reproduction, and also has antioxidant properties. It is available from both plant (carrots, spinach, green leafy vegetables, etc.) and animal sources (liver and dairy products). Vitamin A is used to treat Vitamin A deficiency and also as nutritional supplementation. Vitamin A supplementation is also recommended to prevent night blindness during pregnancy.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Vitamin A
- Diarrhea
- Mouth sores
- Bleeding gums
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dry skin
- Loss of appetite
Uses of Vitamin A
What is it prescribed for?
- Vitamin A Deficiency
- Nutritional Supplementation
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for Vitamin A to show its action is subject to vary based on the intended use and the clinical condition of the patient.
- Duration of effectThe time duration for which Vitamin A remains effective in the body is subject to vary based on the intended use, the clinical condition of the patient, and the duration of uptake.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?Vitamin A is recommended for use in pregnant women only if the need is clearly established and the potential benefits outweigh the risks involved. Consult your doctor before receiving/taking Vitamin A.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Vitamin A is recommended for use in breastfeeding women only if the need is clearly established and the dietary intake is not able to meet the requirements. Consult your doctor before receiving/taking Vitamin A.
Malabsorption syndrome
Oral therapy with Vitamin A is not recommended for patients suffering from malabsorption syndrome. Parenteral therapy with Vitamin A is recommended for such patients.
Hypervitaminosis A
Vitamin A is not recommended for use in patients with hypervitaminosis A (vitamin A toxicity) due to the increased risk of adverse effects.
Allergy
Vitamin A is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to Vitamin A or any other components present along with it.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Vitamin A is recommended for use in pregnant women only if the need is clearly established and the potential benefits outweigh the risks involved. Consult your doctor before receiving/taking Vitamin A.
Breast-feeding
Vitamin A is recommended for use in breastfeeding women only if the need is clearly established and the dietary intake is not able to meet the requirements. Consult your doctor before receiving/taking Vitamin A.
General warnings
Other medicines
Report the use of all medicines including herbs and supplements to the doctor before beginning treatment with this Vitamin A.
Kidney diseases
This supplement should be used with caution in patients suffering from kidney diseases due to the increased risk of adverse effects. Close monitoring of kidney function or appropriate dose adjustments may be necessary based on the clinical condition.
Missed Dose
Oral forms: Take/administer the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, then the missed dose can be skipped. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed dose.
Parenteral form: Since this supplement is usually administered by a qualified healthcare professional in the clinical/hospital setting, the likelihood of a missed dose is very low.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Cholestyramine
Bexarotene
Tetracyclines
Tretinoin
Disease interactions
Hepatic and/or biliary impairment
Conditions like liver and/or biliary impairment may alter the desired effects of this supplement. Appropriate dose adjustments may be necessary for patients with these medical conditions.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Oral forms: Take/administer this supplement following all directions mentioned on the label or as prescribed by the doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller quantities or for longer than recommended.
Parenteral form: This supplement is usually administered in the clinical/hospital setting under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Follow all the instructions given by your doctor. Inform the doctor if you have a known allergy to this supplement. Report all your current medicines as well as your medical conditions to the doctor before receiving this supplement.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Vitamin A is fat-soluble, which regulates certain vital functions in the body. It plays an important role in regulating the immune system and protecting the cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Vitamins
Schedule
OTC
Vitamin A: MedlinePlus [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2019 [cited 4 September 2019]. Available from:
Vitamin A - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2018 [cited 27 September 2018]. Available from:
Retinol [Internet]. Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 27 September 2018]. Available from:
Vitamin A supplementation: who, when and how [Internet]. PubMed Central (PMC). 2019 [cited 4 September 2019]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 4 Sep 2019
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.