Vitamin A capsules and tablets

What is this medicine?

VITAMIN A (VAHY tuh min A) is a vitamin found in nature. It is added to a healthy diet to prevent or treat low vitamin A levels. It is also used to treat some genetic skin problems.

This vitamin may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this vitamin by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label. For best results take this vitamin with food. Take your vitamin at regular intervals. Do not take your vitamin more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• dark urine

• dry, cracked or peeling of skin

• joint pains

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusually weak or tired

• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• yellowing of the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• other vitamin A or retinoid products

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• beta-carotene supplements

• cholestyramine

• mineral oil

• orlistat

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 85 degrees F). Protect from heat and light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• high levels of vitamin A in the body

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to vitamin A, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Follow a good diet. Taking a vitamin supplement does not replace the need for a balanced diet. Some foods that have this vitamin naturally are green and yellow fruits and vegetables, also eggs, butter, milk, meat, and oily fish.

Too much of this vitamin can be unsafe. Talk to your doctor or health care provider about how much is right for you.