Vitamin A: how to take it safely
Vitamin A capsules, Retinol
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Prevents and treats vitamin A deficiency and night blindness, and is given to young children in some programmes.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Swallow with water, with food.
When to take it
Take it as a single dose, or as prescribed, usually every few months.
Take it with
With food.
What to avoid
- Taking more than the dose given. Too much vitamin A is harmful.
- Pregnancy. High doses can harm the baby.
- Isotretinoin or other vitamin A products.
Possible side effects
Rarely, headache, nausea or vomiting for a day.
Get help if
Severe headache, vomiting, blurred vision or a bulging soft spot on a baby's head: see a doctor.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.