Beta-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A that when ingested, is converted in the wall of the small intestine and converted to vitamin A. It is used as a dietary supplement in patients with vitamin A deficiency whose diet is inadequate
Beta-carotene Dose in Adults
Beta-carotene OTC labeling:
- Use as a dietary supplement:
- One capsule orally once a day.
Beta-carotene Dose in Childrens
Safety and efficacy not established.
Pregnancy Risk Class: Unknown
- The fetal blood levels are affected by maternal intake.
- It may be used safely when taken via natural products, however, high doses as medicinal products should be avoided as it is converted to vitamin A that may be teratogenic.
Beta-carotene use during breastfeeding:
- Breast milk contains beta-carotene.
- Mother's intake may affect the concentrations.
Beta-carotene Dose in Renal Disease:
Adjustment in the dose has not been recommended by the manufacturer in patients with kidney disease.
Beta-carotene Dose in Liver Disease:
Adjustment in the dose has not been recommended by the manufacturer in patients with liver disease.
Side Effects to Beta-carotene Frequency not defined.
- Central nervous system:
- Dizziness
- Dermatologic:
- Skin discoloration
- Yellowing of palms, hands, and soles of feet
- Yellowing of the face is rarely seen.
- Skin discoloration
Contraindication to Beta-carotene
Warnings & Precautions
- Hepatic impairment
- Patients with hepatic impairment need to be cautious.
- Renal impairment
- It should be used with caution by patients with impaired renal function.
Monitoring Parameters:
Monitoring is not required.
How to administer Beta-carotene?
- It may be administered with meals.
Mechanism of action of Beta-carotene:
- It is unclear what the mechanism of action is.
- Systemic therapy is more effective than topical treatment.
- Before being absorbed in the small intestine, beta-carotene must be metabolized into vitamin A.
- Vitamin A is then oxidized into retinoic acid or retinol when there are bile acids or fats.
- A small amount of retinol is stored in the liver after it has been conjugated with glucuronic.
It is excreted through the urine and feces.
International brands of Beta-carotene:
- A-Caro-25
- B-Caro-T
- Caroguard
- Acecap
- B-Tene
- Betacar-15
- Betavin
- Biocarotine
- Bronce Sol
- Carolin
- Carotaben
- Carovit
- Kalvo
- Medobiotin
- Natural Betacarotene
- Oxyma
- Tannisol
Beta-carotene brands in Pakistan:
|
Ethanolamine Oleate [Inj 20 mg/ml] |
|
| Jetepar | Popular Chemical Works (Pvt) Ltd. |
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