Drugs & Vitamins

Palmitate-A 5000 Active Ingredients: Vitamin A Representative Names: Palmitate-A 5000 What are vitamin A capsules? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with vitamin A? What side effects may I notice from taking vitamin A? What should I watch for while taking vitamin A? Where can I keep my medicine? What are vitamin A capsules? (Back to top) VITAMIN A (Aquasol A®) is a naturally occurring vitamin. There are two natural sources of vitamin A. Eggs, butter, milk, meat, and oily fish contain retinol, the primary retinoid of animal origin. Green and yellow fruits and vegetables contain beta-carotene, a carotenoid of plant origin, that is converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is necessary for normal health and growth, especially of the eyes and skin. A deficiency of vitamin A can cause night blindness, dry eyes, eye infections, skin problems, and slowed growth. A normal balanced diet contains a sufficient amount of vitamin A for good health. Only take vitamin A under your prescriber's supervision. Large amounts of vitamin A taken over a long time can cause serious, unwanted effects. Generic vitamin A capsules are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of the following conditions: •an alcohol problem •kidney disease •liver disease •vitamin A toxicity •an unusual or allergic reaction to vitamin A, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take vitamin A capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. To reduce upset stomach take vitamin A with food. To make it easier for children to swallow you can open the capsule and mix the contents with jam, applesauce or other foods. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, skip that dose. Continue with your next scheduled dose. Do not double or take extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with vitamin A? (Back to top) •cholestyramine •etretinate •female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills •isotretinoin •mineral oil •orlistat •porfimer PDT •warfarin Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking vitamin A? (Back to top) The recommended daily allowance of vitamin A does not cause any side effects. Side effects related to overdose include: •dark yellow or brown urine •bleeding from gums, sore lips and mouth •bulging soft spot on the head of babies •confusion, irritability, unusual excitement •diarrhea •dizziness, drowsiness •dry, cracked or peeling of skin •double vision •headache (severe) •joint pains •nausea, vomiting •sweating •unusual tiredness •yellowing of the eyes or skin Call your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can if you think you have taken an overdose and have any of these side effects. What should I watch for while taking vitamin A? (Back to top) Make sure you have a proper diet. Taking supplemental vitamin A does not replace the need for a balanced diet. Do not take vitamin A supplements if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Too much vitamin A can cause birth defects. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:01/01/2001 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.