Betacarotene: Indication, Dosage, Side Effect, Precaution

Generic Medicine Info Patient Medicine Information

This information is not country-specific. Please refer to the Myanmar prescribing information.

Generic Medicine Info

Indications and Dosage

Oral
Prophylaxis of vitamin A deficiency

Adult: 6-15 mg daily.
Child: 3-6 mg daily.

Oral
Reduction of severity of photosensitivity reactions in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria

Adult: 30-300 mg daily. Generally, 2-6 wk of treatment is needed before patients should attempt to increase their exposure to sunlight.
Child: 30-150 mg daily. Generally, 2-6 wk of treatment is needed before patients should attempt to increase their exposure to sunlight.

Administration

Should be taken with food.

Special Precautions

Excess intake may cause yellow discoloration of the skin.

Adverse Reactions

Loose stools, bruising, dizziness and arthralgia.

Pregnancy Category (US FDA)

PO: C

Action

Description: Betacarotene is a carotenoid precursor of vitamin A. Vitamin A is needed for healthy skin function and repair, night vision, maintenance of healthy mucous membranes including stomach and lungs. It is also an antioxidant that reduces risk of cellular damage caused by free radicals.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: GI absorption depends on the presence of bile and is increased by dietary fat.
Distribution: Unchanged betacarotene: Distributed to various tissues e.g. fat, adrenal glands and ovaries.
Metabolism: 20-60% is metabolised to retinol in the intestinal wall, and a small amount is converted to vitamin A hepatically.

MIMS Class

Vitamins &/or Minerals

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