Indications
Retinol Palmitate is a form of vitamin A. It is used to prevent and treat vitamin A deficiency, which can cause night blindness, dry eyes and, if severe, damage to the eye surface (xerophthalmia) and a higher risk of serious infections, especially in children. It is also used in people who cannot absorb vitamin A well from food, for example due to certain bowel, liver or pancreas problems. Injectable forms are used when vitamin A cannot be taken by mouth.
How It Works
Vitamin A is needed to make the light-sensitive pigment in the eye that allows vision in dim light. It also keeps the skin and the linings of the eyes, airways and gut healthy, supports the immune system and is important for growth. Retinol Palmitate is stored in the liver and converted to active vitamin A as the body needs it.
Dosage and Administration
The dose depends on age, the reason for use and how severe the deficiency is, and should be as prescribed by a doctor or as directed on the label. Do not take more than the recommended amount, because vitamin A builds up in the body. Oral forms are best taken with a meal that contains some fat. Injections are given by a doctor or nurse. High-dose vitamin A capsules for children are given only under a health programme or a doctor’s advice.
Interactions
Do not combine with other vitamin A products or with retinoid medicines such as Isotretinoin, Acitretin or Tretinoin capsules, as this can cause vitamin A toxicity. Taking high doses with Tetracycline, Doxycycline or Minocycline may raise pressure in the skull. Orlistat, Cholestyramine and mineral oil can reduce absorption. High doses may increase the effect of Warfarin.
Contraindications
Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredient, if you already have too much vitamin A in the body (hypervitaminosis A), or if you are taking retinoid medicines. High doses must not be used in pregnancy.
Side Effects
At normal doses side effects are rare. Too much vitamin A, especially over a long time, can cause:
- Headache, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea or vomiting
- Dry, peeling or itchy skin, cracked lips, hair loss
- Bone or joint pain, tiredness, irritability
- Liver problems with long-term high intake
- In infants, a bulging soft spot on the head after a large dose
Get urgent medical help if you have a severe headache with vomiting or vision changes, yellow skin or eyes, severe drowsiness, signs of an allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing), or if a child has swallowed a large amount.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Vitamin A is needed in pregnancy, but too much can cause serious birth defects. Pregnant women and those planning pregnancy should not take more than 10,000 IU a day from supplements unless a doctor advises it, and should avoid high-dose products. During breastfeeding, normal recommended amounts are safe; vitamin A passes into milk, so avoid high doses unless prescribed.
Precautions and Warnings
Check all your supplements and multivitamins to avoid taking vitamin A twice. Use with care in liver disease, kidney disease and in people who drink a lot of alcohol. Children are more sensitive to overdose; keep the product out of their reach. Long-term high-dose use needs medical supervision.
Overdose
A large single overdose can cause severe headache, drowsiness, vomiting, blurred vision and, in infants, a bulging fontanelle. Long-term overuse can damage the liver and bones. Seek medical help promptly; treatment involves stopping vitamin A and supportive care.
Therapeutic Class
Fat-soluble vitamin (vitamin A).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Injections are stored as directed on the pack.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.