Vitamin A is used to prevent or treat low levels of the
vitamin in people who do not get enough of it from their diets. Most people
who eat a normal diet do not need extra vitamin A. However, some conditions
(such as protein deficiency, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, liver/pancreas
problems) can cause low levels of vitamin A. Vitamin A plays an important
role in the body. It is needed for growth and bone development and to
maintain the health of the skin and eyesight. Low levels of vitamin A may
cause vision problems (such as night blindness) and permanent eye
damage.
Take this vitamin by mouth with or without food, usually
once daily. Follow all directions on the product package, or take as
directed by your doctor. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication,
carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not
use a household spoon because you may not get the correct
dose.
Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and
response to treatment.
Use this vitamin regularly to get the most benefit from
it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Do not
increase your dose or use this vitamin more often than recommended. Your
condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will
increase.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right
away.
This vitamin usually has no side effects when used in
recommended doses. If you have any unusual effects, contact your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
A very serious allergic reaction to this vitamin is
rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking vitamin A, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients (such as soy found in some brands),which
can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for
more details.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this vitamin has been found to be safe
only when used in recommended doses. It must not be used in doses that are
higher than recommended because doing so may harm an unborn baby. Consult
your doctor for more details.
This vitamin passes into breast milk and is considered
safe during breastfeeding when used in recommended doses. Consult your
doctor for more information.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this vitamin
are:
- acitretin
- alitretinoin
- bexarotene
- cholestyramine
- isotretinoin
- tretinoin
- other products that contain vitamin A (such as
multivitamins)
- warfarin
Avoid taking vitamin A at the same time as you take
neomycin, orlistat, and mineral oil. If you take any of these medications,
separate your doses from your dose of vitamin A by at least 2
hours.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe
headache, tiredness, dizziness, mental/mood changes (such as irritability,
depression), vision changes (such as double vision, blurred vision),
dry/peeling skin, bone/joint pain, loss of appetite, yellowing skin/eyes,
dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain.
This product is not a substitute for a proper diet. It
is best to get your vitamins from healthy foods. Vitamin A is commonly
found in fruits (such as apricots, oranges, peaches), vegetables (such as
carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach), dairy products, and eggs, among others.
Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or nutritionist for more
details.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Different brands of this vitamin have different storage
needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your
brand, or ask your pharmacist. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all
medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.