Beta carotene information from DrugsUpdate
Beta carotene, a dietary supplement belongs to class of vitamin A, is prescribed for the prevention of Vitamin A deficiency and to reduce the severity of photosensitivity reactions in erythropoietic porphyria patients. Beta carotene (carotenoid) as an antioxidant offers protection against harmful UV radiation and free radical damage.
Pharmacodynamics
Beta carotene scavenges free radicals including singlet oxygen and superoxide anions and prevents ROS mediated cell damage.
Pharmacokinetics
After oral administration, Beta carotene is rapidly absorbed in GIT. The rate of absorption depends on the amount of bile secretion. Beta carotene absorption is increased by dietary fat. After absorption, Beta carotene is widely distributed in tissues including adrenal glands, fat cells and ovaries. About 20-60% of the administered dose is metabolized to retinol in luminocytes. Liver converts Beta carotene to vitamin A to some extent.
Beta carotene Indications / Beta carotene Uses
No information available
Beta carotene Adverse Reactions / Beta carotene Side Effects
Beta carotene can cause arthralgia, diarrhoea, dizziness and bruising.
Precautions
Do not take overdose. It can cause jaundice-like reactions.
Special Precautions
No information available
Other Drug Interactions
No information available
Other Interactions
No information available
Dosage
For Prophylaxis of vitamin A deficiency (Adults):
Consider oral administration of 6-15 mg/day.
For Prophylaxis of vitamin A deficiency (Pediatrics):
Consider administration of 3-6 mg/day
To reduce photosensitivity reactions erythropoietic protoporphyria patients (Adults):
Consider administration of 30 – 300 mg/day. In such patients, 2-6 weeks treatment may be required prior to increase the duration of sunlight exposure.
To reduce photosensitivity reactions erythropoietic protoporphyria patients (Pediatrics):
Consider administration of 30 – 150 mg/day. In such patients, 2-6 weeks treatment may be required prior to increase the duration of sunlight exposure.
Food(before/after)
Beta carotene should be taken with food
List of Contraindications
Beta carotene and Pregnancy
USFDA pregnancy category C. May be or may not be harmful to an unborn baby. Consult a healthcare provider if you are in gestation or plan to have a baby during Beta carotene treatment.
Beta carotene and Lactation
It is not known whether Beta carotene can pass through the breast milk or not. Breastfeeding mothers should avoid nursing while taking Beta carotene.
Beta carotene and Children
Do not give Beta carotene to children unless prescribed by a pediatrician
Beta carotene and Geriatic
No information available
Beta carotene and Other Contraindications
No information available
Storage
No information available
Lab interference
No information available
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