a-forte
Generic Name
Vitamin A (Retinol)
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| a forte 50000 iu capsule | ৳ 1.90 | ৳ 7.60 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Vitamin A (Retinol) is an essential fat-soluble vitamin crucial for vision, immune function, and cellular growth. This high-dose capsule is used to treat and prevent severe Vitamin A deficiency and related conditions.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
For severe deficiency: 50,000 IU orally once daily for 3-7 days, followed by maintenance therapy as advised by a physician. For xerophthalmia: 200,000 IU initially, 200,000 IU the next day, and 200,000 IU after 2-4 weeks (typically using 100,000 IU capsules twice or 200,000 IU once). For 50,000 IU capsules, follow physician's instruction.
Elderly
Similar to adult dosage, with caution due to potential increased susceptibility to side effects. Physician consultation is advised.
Renal_impairment
No specific dose adjustment is generally required, but caution is advised in severe renal impairment.
How to Take
Take orally, usually with a meal or food to enhance absorption. Do not chew or crush the capsule; swallow whole with water.
Mechanism of Action
Vitamin A is converted to retinal and retinoic acid in the body. Retinal is a key component of rhodopsin, crucial for vision in low light. Retinoic acid acts as a hormone, regulating gene expression and promoting cell differentiation, growth, and immune function.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Effects on vision can be relatively rapid (hours to days), while correction of deficiency takes longer (days to weeks).
Excretion
Mainly excreted in feces via biliary elimination; a small amount is excreted in urine as metabolites.
Half life
Highly variable, can range from several days to weeks, largely due to extensive hepatic storage.
Absorption
Readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, especially when taken with fats and bile salts.
Metabolism
Primarily metabolized in the liver to various derivatives, including retinoic acid, and conjugated with glucuronic acid.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Vitamin A or any component of the capsule.
- Hypervitaminosis A (pre-existing excess Vitamin A in the body).
- Pregnancy (high doses due to teratogenicity risk).
- Severe liver disease.
Drug Interactions
Tetracyclines
Concurrent use may increase the risk of benign intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri).
Oral Contraceptives
May increase plasma Vitamin A levels.
Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin)
High doses of Vitamin A may enhance the anticoagulant effect.
Cholestyramine, Mineral Oil, Orlistat
May impair Vitamin A absorption.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of acute overdose include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, muscle incoordination, and desquamation. Chronic overdose (Hypervitaminosis A) can lead to dry skin, hair loss, fatigue, bone and joint pain, liver damage, and increased intracranial pressure (pseudotumor cerebri). Management involves discontinuing Vitamin A and providing symptomatic and supportive care.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: High doses (e.g., 50,000 IU/day) are teratogenic and strictly contraindicated due to the risk of severe birth defects. Only low-dose supplementation (below 10,000 IU/day) under medical guidance is considered safe if necessary. Lactation: Safe in recommended doses. High doses should be avoided as Vitamin A is excreted in breast milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
24-36 months from manufacturing date.
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
Approval Status
Approved
Patent Status
Generic
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Vitamin A has been extensively studied and used clinically for decades for deficiency and related conditions. Specific clinical trials for this 50000 IU formulation typically focus on efficacy in severe deficiency and specific populations.
Lab Monitoring
- Serum Vitamin A levels (if deficiency or toxicity is suspected).
- Liver function tests (for patients on chronic high-dose therapy).
- Bone density measurements (in long-term therapy).
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize the teratogenic risk of high-dose Vitamin A in women of childbearing potential.
- Monitor for signs and symptoms of Hypervitaminosis A, especially in patients on prolonged therapy or with pre-existing liver conditions.
- Counsel patients on the importance of taking with food for optimal absorption.
- Distinguish between therapeutic use for deficiency and general supplementation.
Patient Guidelines
- Do not exceed the prescribed dose without consulting your doctor.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
- Report any severe or persistent side effects to your physician.
- Take this medicine with food to improve absorption.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Generally, this medicine does not impair the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if side effects like dizziness or visual disturbances occur (especially with overdose), caution is advised.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in Vitamin A precursors (e.g., carrots, leafy green vegetables) and preformed Vitamin A (e.g., liver, dairy products).
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, as it can interfere with Vitamin A metabolism and storage.
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine
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