Ovit-A
Generic Name
Vitamin A 200,000 IU Capsule
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| ovit a 200000 iu capsule | ৳ 6.33 | ৳ 63.30 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Ovit-A 200,000 IU Capsule contains Vitamin A, an essential fat-soluble vitamin crucial for vision, immune function, growth, and cell differentiation. It is used for the treatment and prevention of Vitamin A deficiency.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
For severe Vitamin A deficiency with xerophthalmia: 200,000 IU orally immediately, followed by another 200,000 IU the next day, and a third dose 1-4 weeks later. For prophylaxis: Doses vary, typically lower and less frequent.
Elderly
Similar to adult dosage but with caution, especially if there are underlying liver conditions or other medications.
Renal_impairment
No specific dose adjustment is generally required, but caution is advised with very high doses due to potential accumulation if liver function is also impaired.
How to Take
Ovit-A 200,000 IU capsules are taken orally, usually with a meal to enhance absorption of this fat-soluble vitamin.
Mechanism of Action
Vitamin A (retinol) is converted to retinal, a key component of rhodopsin in the retina, essential for low-light vision. It also functions as retinoic acid, regulating gene expression vital for cell growth, differentiation, and immune response.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Therapeutic effects on vision and epithelial integrity develop gradually over days to weeks.
Excretion
Primarily excreted in feces (unabsorbed and biliary metabolites) and urine (water-soluble metabolites).
Half life
Highly variable due to extensive storage in the liver; can range from several days to months for elimination.
Absorption
Readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, primarily in the duodenum and jejunum, especially with dietary fat.
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized in the liver to various retinoid metabolites, including glucuronides.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypervitaminosis A (pre-existing excessive levels of Vitamin A).
- Pregnancy (high doses are teratogenic and contraindicated).
- Severe liver disease.
- Hypersensitivity to Vitamin A or any component of the capsule.
Drug Interactions
Orlistat
May reduce the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, including Vitamin A.
Warfarin
Very high doses of Vitamin A may interfere with Vitamin K activity, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding.
Tetracycline antibiotics
Concurrent use may increase the risk of benign intracranial hypertension.
Other Retinoids (e.g., Isotretinoin)
Concomitant use with other retinoids significantly increases the risk of hypervitaminosis A.
Cholestyramine, Colestipol, Mineral Oil
These can interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Storage
Store in a cool and dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light, heat, and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Acute overdose symptoms include severe headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, and irritability. Chronic overdose (hypervitaminosis A) can lead to dry skin, hair loss, fatigue, bone and joint pain, liver damage, and increased intracranial pressure (pseudotumor cerebri). Treatment involves immediate discontinuation of Vitamin A and supportive care for symptoms.
Pregnancy & Lactation
High doses (over 10,000 IU/day) of Vitamin A are contraindicated during pregnancy due to the risk of severe birth defects (teratogenicity). Lower, recommended daily allowances are safe and necessary. Consult your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Generally considered safe during lactation at recommended doses, as Vitamin A is naturally present in breast milk.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypervitaminosis A (pre-existing excessive levels of Vitamin A).
- Pregnancy (high doses are teratogenic and contraindicated).
- Severe liver disease.
- Hypersensitivity to Vitamin A or any component of the capsule.
Drug Interactions
Orlistat
May reduce the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, including Vitamin A.
Warfarin
Very high doses of Vitamin A may interfere with Vitamin K activity, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding.
Tetracycline antibiotics
Concurrent use may increase the risk of benign intracranial hypertension.
Other Retinoids (e.g., Isotretinoin)
Concomitant use with other retinoids significantly increases the risk of hypervitaminosis A.
Cholestyramine, Colestipol, Mineral Oil
These can interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Storage
Store in a cool and dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light, heat, and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Acute overdose symptoms include severe headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, and irritability. Chronic overdose (hypervitaminosis A) can lead to dry skin, hair loss, fatigue, bone and joint pain, liver damage, and increased intracranial pressure (pseudotumor cerebri). Treatment involves immediate discontinuation of Vitamin A and supportive care for symptoms.
Pregnancy & Lactation
High doses (over 10,000 IU/day) of Vitamin A are contraindicated during pregnancy due to the risk of severe birth defects (teratogenicity). Lower, recommended daily allowances are safe and necessary. Consult your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Generally considered safe during lactation at recommended doses, as Vitamin A is naturally present in breast milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture.
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
Approval Status
Approved
Patent Status
Generic/Off-patent
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials and public health programs globally, particularly by WHO and UNICEF, have demonstrated the efficacy of Vitamin A supplementation in reducing mortality and morbidity in children with Vitamin A deficiency and measles.
Lab Monitoring
- Serum Vitamin A levels (to assess deficiency or toxicity)
- Liver function tests (especially with prolonged high-dose therapy)
- Regular eye exams (for xerophthalmia monitoring)
Doctor Notes
- Ovit-A 200,000 IU is a critical intervention for severe Vitamin A deficiency, especially in children in high-risk regions.
- Strict adherence to dosage guidelines is paramount, particularly regarding the avoidance of high doses in pregnant women.
- Educate patients on the signs of hypervitaminosis A and the importance of not exceeding prescribed doses.
Patient Guidelines
- Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose, especially if you are pregnant or might become pregnant.
- Report any unusual or severe side effects to your healthcare provider.
- Store capsules in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Missed Dose Advice
Since Ovit-A 200,000 IU is often prescribed as an infrequent, high dose, follow your doctor's specific instructions. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If it is part of a regular regimen and a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose.
Driving Precautions
Generally, Ovit-A 200,000 IU does not impair the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, acute overdose or severe side effects like dizziness or blurred vision could temporarily affect these abilities. Exercise caution if such symptoms occur.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in Vitamin A (carrots, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, liver, dairy) to support overall health.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, which can interfere with Vitamin A metabolism.
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