Vitamin A is found in food from animal sources and it is also produced synthetically.
Vitamin A is important for the eyes and skin, and for normal growth.
Vitamin A is used to treat vitamin A deficiency.
Vitamin A may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
Take vitamin A exactly as directed by your doctor or as directed on the package. If
you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain
them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Measure the liquid forms of vitamin A with the dropper provided.
Do not take more vitamin A than is prescribed for you or than is recommended
on the package. Too much vitamin A can be dangerous.
Store vitamin A at room temperature away from light, moisture, and heat.
Stop taking vitamin A and seek emergency medical attention if you experience
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips,
tongue, or face; or hives).
Other, less serious side effects may occur with large doses or prolonged use of
vitamin A. Notify your doctor if you experience
tiredness;
nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;
irritability;
headache;
dryness or cracking of the lips or skin; or
hair loss.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to
your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Before taking vitamin A, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following
medicines:
oral birth control pills,
cholestyramine (Questran), or
mineral oil.
You may not be able to take vitamin A, or you may require a
dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the
medicines listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with vitamin A. Talk to your
doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines or
herbal/health supplements.
Avoid prolonged use of mineral oil while taking vitamin A.
There are no other restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while you are taking
vitamin A unless otherwise directed by your health care provider.
Symptoms of a vitamin A overdose include tiredness, discomfort, lethargy, upset
stomach, decreased appetite, vomiting, slow or decreased growth, joint soreness,
irritability, headache, drying and cracking of the lips and skin, hair loss, and yellowing of
the skin.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for
your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do
not take a double dose of vitamin A.
Before taking vitamin A, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional
if you have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or other
herbal/health supplements.
Do not take a vitamin A supplement without first talking to
your doctor if you are pregnant. Although some vitamin A is necessary for the normal
development of a baby, doses in excess of the U.S. recommended dietary allowance (RDA)
of 5,000 USP units per day may cause birth defects.
Do not take a vitamin A supplement without first talking to
your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Consultation with a licensed health care professional is advisable before using any
herbal/health supplement. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses
of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial and coordination of treatment among all
health care providers involved may be advantageous. Remember, keep this and all other
prescription drug products, over-the-counter drug products, and herbal/health
supplements out of the reach of children.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ("Multum") is accurate,
up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. In addition, the drug information contained herein may be time sensitive.
Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and end-users in the United States. Cerner Multum does not warrant
that uses outside of the United States are appropriate. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy.
Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or
to serve end-users viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare
practitioners. Healthcare practitioners should use their professional judgment in using the information provided. The absence of a warning for a
given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for
any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides.
The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions,
or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
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