Beta Carotene Pharmacology

Beta Carotene

About Beta Carotene
A natural precursor to Vitamin A.
Mechanism of Action of Beta Carotene
Beta-carotene acts as the precursor of Vitamin A and in the body it is converted in to Vitamin A. Vitamin A is required for a variety of physiological functions in the body such as: - 1).Proper functioning of retina and formation of pigment Rhodopsin during dark adaptation. 2).promotes differentiation and maintains structural integrity of epithelia over the body and also retard the malignancies of epithelial structures.3).Promotes mucous secretion. 4).Inhibits keratinization, 5). Maintains proper bone growth, 6).Maintenance of spermatogenesis, 7).Supports foetal development, 8).Improves resistance to infection. It is required for proper antibody response, normal lymphocyte proliferation and killer cell function.
Pharmacokinets of Beta Carotene
Absorption: Completely absorbed normally. Steatorrhoea, bile deficiency, and protein poor diet adversely affects the absorption and absorption requires bile salts, pancreatic lipase, and dietary fat.
Distribution: Stored primarily as palmitate in kupffer`s cells in liver. Circulates in the form of specific alpha-1 protein; retinol binding protein and transported to cellular retinol binding protein of target cells.
Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver.
Excretion: Excreted mainly through bile and a small amount is excreted through urine.
Onset of Action for Beta Carotene
N/A
Duration of Action for Beta Carotene
N/A
Half Life of Beta Carotene
N/A
Side Effects of Beta Carotene
Adverse effects occurs only with higher doses and toxicity
1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Itching
4. Dermatitis
5. Exfoliation
6. Alopecia
7. Bone and joint pain
8. Anorexia
9. Irritability
10. Increased intracranial pressure
11. Hepatic impairment
12. Anaphylactic shock
Contra-indications of Beta Carotene
1. Hypervitaminosis A
2. Hypersensitivity to Beta Carotene
Special Precautions while taking Beta Carotene
1. Oral form should not use in patients with malabsorption syndrome.
2. In inadequate bile secretion oral route may be used with concurrent administration of bile salts.
3. I. V. route is contraindicated except for special water miscible forms intended for infusion with large parenteral volumes and should not use I. V. push of vitamin A of any type.
Pregnancy Related Information
Use with caution
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Use with caution
Children Related Information
Use with caution
Indications for Beta Carotene
1. Vitamin A deficiency
2. Xerophthalmia
3. Acne
4. Ichthyosis
5. Bitot`s spots
6. Night blindness
Interactions for Beta Carotene
Cholestyramine: Absorption of Vitamin A is reduced due to reduced availability of fat stabilizing bile salts.
Mineral oil: Interferes with intestinal absorption of Vitamin A.
Oral Contraceptives: Plasma Vitamin A levels are significantly increased.
Typical Dosage for Beta Carotene
Severe vitamin A deficiency with xerophthalmia: 500000 IU daily for 3 days followed by 50000 IU daily for 14 days. Then maintenance dosage of 10000 to 20000 IU for 2months followed by adequate dietary nutrition and RDA vitamin A supplements.
Severe vitamin A deficiency: 100000 IU daily for 3 days followed by 50000 IU daily for 14 days. Then maintenance dosage of 10000 to 20000 IU for 2months followed by adequate dietary nutrition and RDA vitamin A supplements.
Children: 5000 to 10000 IU daily for 14 days.
Schedule of Beta Carotene
C1 (Oral)
C (Parenteral)
Storage Requirements for Beta Carotene
Store in a well closed, airtight container in a cool dry place.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Beta Carotene
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Effects of Overdose of Beta Carotene
Discontinue the vitamin A if hypercalcaemia persists and administer I.V. saline, prednisolone, and calcitonin if required. Monitor hepatic function tests to detect liver damage.

Home Delivery for Beta Carotene in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including beta carotene.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for beta carotene and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for beta carotene may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take beta carotene only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for beta carotene before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for beta carotene with the pharmacy.

Beta Carotene is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for beta carotene might be better known than beta carotene itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have beta carotene in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for beta carotene.