Vitamin A (Capsules) Instructions for Use

ATC Code

A11CA01 (Retinol (vitamin A))

Active Substance

Retinol (Rec.INN registered by WHO)

Clinical-Pharmacological Group

Vitamin preparation

Pharmacotherapeutic Group

Vitamins; vitamins A and D, including their combinations; vitamin A

Pharmacological Action

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin. It has a diverse effect on the body’s vital activities.

It plays an important role in redox processes (due to a large number of unsaturated bonds), participates in the synthesis of mucopolysaccharides, proteins, and lipids. Retinol plays an important role in maintaining the normal condition of the skin and epithelium of mucous membranes, ensuring normal differentiation of epithelial tissue, and in the processes of photoreception (promotes human adaptation to darkness).

Retinol participates in mineral metabolism, cholesterol formation processes, enhances the production of lipase and trypsin, enhances myelopoiesis, and cell division processes. The local action is mediated by the presence of specific retinol-binding receptors on the surface of epithelial cells.

It inhibits keratinization processes, enhances the proliferation of epithelial cells, rejuvenates cell populations, and reduces the number of cells that follow the path of terminal differentiation.

It is believed that Retinol has an antitumor effect, which, however, does not extend to non-epithelial tumors.

Indications

Hypovitaminosis and avitaminosis A. Eye diseases (pigmentary retinitis, nyctalopia, xerophthalmia, keratomalacia, eczematous lesions of the eyelids), skin diseases and lesions (frostbite, burns, wounds, ichthyosis, hyperkeratosis, psoriasis, some forms of eczema and other inflammatory and degenerative pathological processes).

Complex therapy of rickets, hypotrophy, acute respiratory infections, chronic bronchopulmonary diseases, erosive-ulcerative and inflammatory lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, liver cirrhosis.

Epithelial tumors and leukemias (to increase the resistance of hematopoietic tissue to the action of cytostatics during complex chemotherapy). Mastopathy (as part of a complex of non-hormonal agents).

ICD codes

Dosage Regimen

Take capsules orally with a meal to enhance absorption.

For severe vitamin A deficiency in adults, administer up to 100,000 IU daily for 3 days, followed by 50,000 IU daily for 2 weeks.

For maintenance therapy in adults, use 10,000 to 20,000 IU daily for 2 months.

For skin diseases like psoriasis or eczema, prescribe 100,000 to 300,000 IU daily.

For pediatric patients over 7 years old, administer 1,000 to 5,000 IU daily based on body weight and severity of deficiency.

Adjust the daily dosage and treatment duration individually according to clinical response and serum retinol levels.

Limit the treatment course to avoid hypervitaminosis; do not exceed 6,000 IU/kg body weight.

For prophylactic use in populations at risk, a single dose of 200,000 IU is acceptable.

In cases of malabsorption, consider a higher dosage or parenteral administration under strict medical supervision.

Monitor patients for signs of toxicity, especially with long-term use exceeding 4,000 IU daily.

Adverse Reactions

Hypervitaminosis A in adults – drowsiness, lethargy, headache, facial flushing, nausea, vomiting, gait disturbances, pain in the bones of the lower extremities; in children, fever, drowsiness, sweating, vomiting, skin rashes are possible.

Possible increase in cerebrospinal fluid pressure (in infants, hydrocephalus and bulging of the fontanelle may develop).

Contraindications

Cholelithiasis, chronic pancreatitis (exacerbation of the disease is possible), acute inflammatory skin diseases, pregnancy, breastfeeding period, children under 7 years of age.

With caution

Nephritis, heart failure of II-III degree, chronic alcoholism, liver cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, renal failure.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

Use is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Use in Hepatic Impairment

Use is contraindicated in cholelithiasis.

With caution: liver cirrhosis, viral hepatitis.

Use in Renal Impairment

Use with caution in acute and chronic nephritis, renal failure.

Pediatric Use

Use is contraindicated in children under 7 years of age.

Geriatric Use

Use with caution in elderly patients.

Special Precautions

Use with caution in acute and chronic nephritis, in decompensation of cardiac activity.

No more than one preparation containing Retinol should be used simultaneously to avoid overdose.

Drug Interactions

With simultaneous use with cholestyramine, colestipol, neomycin, a decrease in the absorption of retinol is possible.

During long-term therapy with tetracyclines, vitamin A is not recommended to be prescribed due to the risk of intracranial hypertension.

Oral contraceptives increase the plasma concentration of retinol.

Isotretinoin increases the risk of adverse effects.

Storage Conditions

Store at 2°C (36°F) to 25°C (77°F). Keep in original packaging, protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.

Dispensing Status

Over-the-Counter

Important Safety Information

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before use. Dosage and side effects may vary. Use only as prescribed.