Type of medicine: vitamin
Generic and brand names: vitamin A, oral (There are many brand names for this medicine.)
Vitamin A is found in certain foods and is necessary for growth, good health, and healthy skin and eyes. As a medicine, vitamin A supplements are used to treat or prevent vitamin A deficiency. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breast-feeding, check with your healthcare provider before you take large doses of vitamin A. Taking too much vitamin A may harm the baby.
Before you take this medicine, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to determine whether you really need it and how much to take. Do not take more than recommended. Vitamin A is stored in your body. Taking too much over a long period of time can lead to poisoning that may be fatal. Do not take large doses unless your healthcare provider approves.
This medicine comes in different forms. Swallow the tablets or capsules whole. Do not chew them.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: diarrhea.
Vitamins are not replacements for a well-balanced diet. They are to be used only as supplements. Follow your healthcare provider's advice about diet and supplements.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
When taken in recommended doses, vitamin A does not usually cause any side effects.
Taking large doses over a long period of time can cause serious problems. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop bleeding gums, sore mouth, confusion, seizures, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, double vision, dry cracked lips, peeling skin, severe headache, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, hair loss, or yellowish skin.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store the medicine away from heat and direct light. Do not allow the liquid to freeze.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
