Name Vitamin A
Classes Nutritional Supplement
Vitamin
Diseases Malabsorption
Malnutrition
Night Blindness
Retinitis Pigmentosa
Vitamin A Deficiency
Xerophthalamia

Vitamin A

Vitamin A, also known as retinol, serves several functions. It Aids in the proper functioning of the body's natural defense against illness and infection (the immune system). It also aids vision in low-light situations. It is essential for the health of the skin and the lining of some body parts, such as the nose.

Vitamin A preparations are indicated for the treatment of diseases and abnormalities caused by vitamin deficiency. Such as-night blindness, xerophthalmia, dermatological such as changes in skin, hair and nails etc.

It is also indicated as a dietary supplement.

I. Adults

100,000 Units daily for three days followed by 50,000 daily for two weeks.

II. Pediatric patients 1 to 8 years old

17,500 to 35,000 Units daily for 10 days.

III. Infants

7,500 to 15,000 Units daily for 10 days.

Follow-up therapy for two months with an oral therapeutic multivitamin preparation containing 10,000 to 20,000 Units vitamin A for adults and pediatric patients over the age of eight, and 5,000 to 10,000 Units for infants and other pediatric patients under the age of eight, is recommended. Low birth weight infants may require additional vitamin A, though the precise dosing in these pediatric patients has not been determined. For an equivalent preparation in malabsorption, the parenteral route must be used.

Poor eating habits should be changed, and a healthy, well-balanced diet should be recommended.

It is generally a well tolerated preparation. Most side effects are associated with overdosage, such as-

  • Thrombocytopenia
  • Renal dysfunction
  • Hepatomegaly
  • Metabolic acidosis
  • Cholestasis
  • The intravenous method has been linked to anaphylactic shock and fatality.
  • Allergic reactions to parenteral vitamin a have been documented infrequently, including one case of anaphylactoid response.
  • Avoid overdosage.
  • Keep out of the reach of children.

Contraindication

Contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to any component of the formulation.

There is no known contraindications of the preparation in terms of food and drinks.