EMEDZ.NET

Disclaimer Notice:

Dear Readers! I started this blog when my daughter was in the NICU. She had ventriculitis. Her CSF report grew E.coli. But, she was injected Teicoplanin directly into her brain. The doctors made two errors here:

Teicoplanin is for gram-positive bacteria only. It does not treat E.coli.
Teicoplanin is not for intraventricular use. The manufacturer strongly discourage injecting Teicoplanin into the brain.

My daughter bled into the brain. She lived for another two years and ultimately died.

The information provided on Emedz.net is for doctors and pharmacists only to manage their patients in the best way and avoid medications-related errors.

Still, for the general population, this should not be considered professional medical advice or a substitute for consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. The content on this blog is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.

Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, medication, or any other aspect of your healthcare. We strongly discourage self-medication and self-treatment.

Even though the primary author of emedz.net is an experienced health professional, the blog is not intended to replace medical advice sought at the Doctor’s Clinic.

The authors share personal experiences, research findings, and general knowledge about health and wellness and medications-related topics.

However, individual health situations vary, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, but medical knowledge is constantly evolving. Therefore, we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information presented in this blog.

Emedz.net is not an online pharmacy:

Online pharmacies sell medicines and pharmaceutical products. EMEDZ.net is intended to provide drug-related information to pharmacists and physicians. It is intended to provide authentic information about medicines so as to prevent errors related to prescriptions.

We do not sell medicines, so please don’t ask for them.

We are not affiliated with any pharmaceutical companies:

Emedz.net has no affiliation with any pharmaceutical companies. We do not promote any product. Sometimes brand names are also mentioned in the title of the page, but that is what is called a “Featured Image”. It has nothing to do with selling or promoting that brand. Just to make things easier, generic and brands are mentioned in the blog.

Emedz.net may contain links to external websites or resources for your convenience. We do not endorse or take responsibility for the content of these external sites.

In no event shall Emedz.net, its authors, contributors, or any related parties be liable for any damages or consequences arising from the use of the information provided on this blog.

By using Emedz.net, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer and our Terms of Use. If you do not agree with this disclaimer or our Terms of Use, we advise you to refrain from using our website.

Remember, your health is a valuable asset, and decisions about your health should always be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

Beta-carotene - a dietary vitamin A precursor

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.

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.