Ovit-A
Generic Name
Retinol (Vitamin A) 50,000 IU
Manufacturer
ACI Limited
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| ovit a 50000 iu capsule | ৳ 1.93 | ৳ 19.30 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Ovit-A 50,000 IU Capsule contains Retinol, which is Vitamin A. Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin crucial for vision, immune function, cell growth, and maintaining healthy skin and mucous membranes. It is primarily used for the treatment and prevention of Vitamin A deficiency.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
For severe deficiency: Initially 100,000 IU/day for 3 days, then 50,000 IU/day for 2 weeks, followed by 10,000-20,000 IU/day for 2 months. For prophylactic use: 50,000 IU every 2-3 months.
Elderly
Dosage similar to adults, but caution should be exercised due to potential for cumulative toxicity if high doses are used for prolonged periods.
Renal_impairment
No specific dose adjustment required, but caution is advised in severe renal impairment due to potential for accumulation if high doses are used.
How to Take
Administer orally. Capsules can be taken with or without food, but absorption is enhanced with fatty meals.
Mechanism of Action
Retinol is crucial for the visual cycle, where it is converted to retinal and then to 11-cis-retinal, which combines with opsin to form rhodopsin, a light-sensitive pigment in the retina. It also plays a vital role in gene transcription, immune function, epithelial cellular differentiation, and growth.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Therapeutic effects on vision and epithelial health may be seen over days to weeks, depending on the severity of deficiency.
Excretion
Excreted mainly in the feces (unabsorbed and biliary excretion) and to a lesser extent in the urine.
Half life
Highly variable, largely dependent on the body's vitamin A stores, typically several weeks to months due to hepatic storage.
Absorption
Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract in the presence of bile salts and dietary fats. Absorption can be reduced in malabsorption syndromes.
Metabolism
Primarily metabolized in the liver to various retinoids and then conjugated with glucuronic acid.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypervitaminosis A (pre-existing excess of Vitamin A)
- Hypersensitivity to Vitamin A or any component of the formulation
- Pregnancy (high doses are teratogenic and contraindicated)
Drug Interactions
Warfarin
High doses of Vitamin A might interfere with Vitamin K activity, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding.
Tetracycline
Concomitant use with high doses of Vitamin A may lead to benign intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri).
Oral Contraceptives
May increase plasma vitamin A concentrations.
Cholestyramine, Colestipol, Orlistat, Mineral Oil
May reduce absorption of Vitamin A.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture.
Overdose
Acute overdose (e.g., single dose >1,000,000 IU) or chronic overdose (e.g., >100,000 IU/day for months) can lead to hypervitaminosis A. Symptoms include severe headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, irritability, dry skin, desquamation, joint pain, and increased intracranial pressure. Treatment involves discontinuing the vitamin A supplementation and supportive care. Symptoms typically resolve within days or weeks.
Pregnancy & Lactation
High doses of Vitamin A (above 10,000 IU/day) are teratogenic and contraindicated during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, due to the risk of birth defects. During lactation, normal dietary intake of vitamin A is safe and beneficial for the infant; however, excessive supplementation should be avoided.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypervitaminosis A (pre-existing excess of Vitamin A)
- Hypersensitivity to Vitamin A or any component of the formulation
- Pregnancy (high doses are teratogenic and contraindicated)
Drug Interactions
Warfarin
High doses of Vitamin A might interfere with Vitamin K activity, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding.
Tetracycline
Concomitant use with high doses of Vitamin A may lead to benign intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri).
Oral Contraceptives
May increase plasma vitamin A concentrations.
Cholestyramine, Colestipol, Orlistat, Mineral Oil
May reduce absorption of Vitamin A.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture.
Overdose
Acute overdose (e.g., single dose >1,000,000 IU) or chronic overdose (e.g., >100,000 IU/day for months) can lead to hypervitaminosis A. Symptoms include severe headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, irritability, dry skin, desquamation, joint pain, and increased intracranial pressure. Treatment involves discontinuing the vitamin A supplementation and supportive care. Symptoms typically resolve within days or weeks.
Pregnancy & Lactation
High doses of Vitamin A (above 10,000 IU/day) are teratogenic and contraindicated during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, due to the risk of birth defects. During lactation, normal dietary intake of vitamin A is safe and beneficial for the infant; however, excessive supplementation should be avoided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
24 months from manufacturing date
Availability
Pharmacies, hospitals
Approval Status
Approved for general use
Patent Status
Off-patent
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Vitamin A supplementation has been widely studied in numerous clinical trials, particularly for its role in preventing childhood mortality from measles and other infectious diseases in developing countries. Ongoing research focuses on optimal dosing and delivery strategies.
Lab Monitoring
- Serum retinol levels (to assess deficiency or toxicity)
- Liver function tests (in cases of chronic high dose use or suspected toxicity)
- Bone density scans (in cases of long-term high dose use)
Doctor Notes
- Ensure proper diagnosis of Vitamin A deficiency before initiating high-dose supplementation.
- Educate patients, especially pregnant women, about the risks of hypervitaminosis A and the importance of adhering to prescribed dosages.
- Consider underlying malabsorption issues if deficiency persists despite supplementation.
Patient Guidelines
- Do not exceed the recommended dose, especially if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- Report any severe side effects or symptoms of overdose to your doctor immediately.
- Store capsules at room temperature, away from moisture and direct light.
- Keep out of reach of children.
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
This medicine is generally not expected to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if you experience dizziness or blurred vision, avoid such activities.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in Vitamin A (e.g., carrots, leafy greens, liver, dairy).
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption as it can deplete vitamin A stores.
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