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Vitamin A Oral
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
VITAMIN A – ORAL
COMMON BRAND NAME: Aquasol A, Palmitate-A
USES: Vitamin A plays a critical role in the body. It helps prevent night blindness, promotes growth and is needed for healthy skin. This vitamin is used to prevent and treat a vitamin A deficiency.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication orally as directed. Because this medication accumulates in body-fat (fat-soluble), do not take this more often or in greater amounts than prescribed. Too much vitamin A can cause serious side effects (e.g., liver damage).
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication is generally well tolerated. Notify your doctor if you experience nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, dry or itchy skin or lips, irritability or hair loss while taking this drug. It may be necessary to reduce your dose. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: kidney disease, liver problems, other illnesses, allergies. This medication should be used as directed during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. Consult your doctor about the risks and benefits.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take, including: birth control pills. Avoid taking cholestyramine or mineral oil at the same time as vitamin A because they can prevent absorption of vitamin A. Separate the dosing by at least 2 hours. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include bleeding gums, sore mouth, bulging soft spot on head (in babies), diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, severe headache, confusion, double vision, and severe vomiting.
NOTES: Vitamin A is commonly found in fish, sweet potatoes, leafy green vegetables, carrots, eggs and whole-milk products. It is important to eat a well balanced diet. Follow any dietary guidelines recommended. Large doses of vitamin A taken by mouth have not been shown to be effective in treating acne and may result in unwanted side effects. Topical vitamin A preparations have been found to be effective. Talk to your doctor about this therapy.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not “double-up” the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store capsules and drops at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.