Retinol
Also sold as: Arovit
Prescription neededVitamins and minerals
Comes as:CapsuleOral solution
Usual adult dose
High-dose vitamin A is given by health workers to children: 100,000 IU at 6 to 11 months and 200,000 IU every 4 to 6 months from 12 to 59 months. Adults should not take high-dose vitamin A unless a doctor advises.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- headache
- nausea or vomiting for a day after a high dose
- temporary bulging of the soft spot in babies
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- signs of overdose: severe headache
- repeated vomiting
- blurred vision
- drowsiness
- peeling skin
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Pregnancy — high doses can harm the baby (only small doses as advised by a doctor)
- Taking other vitamin A products or isotretinoin at the same time
- Liver disease (use with caution)
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious1 medicineDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
- Isotretinoin
Taking vitamin A with isotretinoin can cause vitamin A poisoning; avoid together.
Moderate1 medicineTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Doxycycline
Vitamin A with tetracycline antibiotics can rarely raise pressure in the head (severe headache, blurred vision).