OTC labeling: Dietary supplement: Oral: One capsule daily
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling.
Refer to adult dosing.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product
Capsule, Oral:
A-Caro-25: 25,000 units [DSC] [contains soybean lecithin, soybean oil]
Generic: 25,000 units
Capsule, Oral [preservative free]:
B-Caro-T: 15 mg [dye free]
Caroguard: 15 mg [dye free]
Generic: 25,000 units [DSC]
Yes
May be administered with meals.
Dietary supplement: Use as a dietary supplement to increase vitamin A when dietary intake is inadequate
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified. Frequency not defined.
Central nervous system: Dizziness
Dermatologic: Skin discoloration (yellowing of palms, hands, or soles of feet, and to a lesser extent the face)
Disease-related concerns:
• Hepatic impairment: Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment.
• Renal impairment: Use with caution in patients with renal impairment.
Other warnings/precautions:
• Sunscreen use: Not proven effective as a sunscreen.
None known.
There are no known significant interactions.
Maternal intake of beta-carotene influences cord blood concentrations (Scaife 2006).
Beta-carotene is found in breast milk. Concentrations vary by maternal intake (IOM 2000).
Dietary Reference Intake for vitamin A (presented as retinol activity equivalent [RAE]) (IOM 2000):
Adequate intake (AI):
1 to 6 months: 400 mcg/day (1,330 units/day)
7 to 12 months: 500 mcg/day (1,670 units/day)
Recommended dietary allowance (RDA):
1 to 3 years: 300 mcg/day (1,000 units/day)
4 to 8 years: 400 mcg/day (1,330 units/day)
9 to 13 years: 600 mcg/day (2,000 units/day)
Males >13 years: 900 mcg/day (3,000 units/day)
Females >13 years: 700 mcg/day (2,330 units/day)
Pregnant females 14 to 18 years: 750 mcg/day (2,500 units/day)
Pregnant females ≥19 years: 770 mcg/day (2,560 units/day)
Lactating females 14 to 18 years: 1,200 mcg/day (4,000 units/day)
Lactating females ≥19 years: 1,300 mcg/day (4,330 units/day)
The exact mechanism of action in erythropoietic protoporphyria has not as yet been elucidated; although patient must become carotenemic before effects are observed, there appears to be more than a simple internal light screen responsible for the drug's action. A protective effect was achieved when beta-carotene was added to blood samples. The concentrations of solutions used were similar to those achieved in treated patients. Topically applied beta-carotene is considerably less effective than systemic therapy.
Metabolism: Prior to absorption, converted to vitamin A in the wall of the small intestine, then oxidized to retinoic acid and retinol in the presence of fat and bile acids; small amounts are then stored in the liver; retinol (active) is conjugated with glucuronic acid
Excretion: Urine and feces
Capsules (Beta Carotene Oral)
25000 unit (per each): $0.03 - $0.05
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