Retinol: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

This information is not country-specific. Please refer to the Philippines prescribing information.

Generic Medicine Info

Indications and Dosage

Intramuscular
Vitamin A deficiency

Adult: For the treatment of cases: 100,000 units daily for 3 days, then 50,000 units daily for 2 weeks. Follow-up treatment with an oral therapeutic multivitamin preparation containing additional vitamin A is recommended after initial IM therapy.
Child: For the treatment of cases: Infants 7,500-15,000 units daily for 10 days; Children 1-8 years 17,500-35,000 units daily for 10 days; >8 years Same as adult dose. Follow-up treatment with an oral therapeutic multivitamin preparation containing additional vitamin A is recommended after initial IM therapy.

Oral
Vitamin A deficiency

Adult: For the treatment of cases and follow-up treatment after initial IM therapy: 10,000-20,000 units daily for 2 months. Dosage and treatment recommendations may vary among individual products and between countries (refer to specific product guidelines).
Child: For the treatment of cases and follow-up treatment after initial IM therapy: Infants and children <8 years 5,000-10,000 units daily for 2 months; low birth-weight infants may require additional dose; ≥8 years Same as adult dose. Dosage and treatment recommendations may vary among individual products and between countries (refer to specific product guidelines).

What are the brands available for Retinol in Philippines?

Khriz Vitamin A

Other Known Brands

Afaxin
Alici-A
Retimax

Administration

Retinol Should be taken with food.

Contraindications

Hypervitaminosis A.

Special Precautions

IM therapy is only indicated when oral administration is not feasible or when absorption is insufficient (e.g. malabsorption syndrome). Hepatic impairment. Children. Pregnancy and lactation.

Adverse Reactions

Significant: Hypervitaminosis A syndrome (prolonged use or at high doses).
Immune system disorders: Hypersensitivity reaction, nonimmune anaphylaxis.
Nervous system disorders: Intracranial hypertension.

Monitoring Parameters

Monitor serum retinol concentration.

Overdosage

Symptoms: Drowsiness, irresistible desire to sleep, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, irritability, severe headache, hepatomegaly, papilloedema, fatigue, erythema, pruritus, and dry, itchy and peeling skin. Management: Symptomatic and supportive treatment.

Drug Interactions

Increased plasma concentration with oral contraceptive agents. May reduce absorption with orlistat and colestyramine. Additive adverse effects with retinoids (e.g. isotretinoin, etretinate).

Food Interaction

Alcohol in excessive doses reduces vitamin A stored in the liver and may increase the risk of vitamin A toxicity.

Action

Description:
Mechanism of Action: Retinol, a fat-soluble vitamin, is essential for the maintenance of epithelial cells, immune function, embryonic development, and visual adaptation to darkness.
Synonym(s): Vitamin A.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
Distribution: Enters breast milk. Mainly stored in the liver with small amounts distributed to the kidneys, lungs, adrenal gland, retina, and intraperitoneal fat.
Metabolism: Metabolised in the liver and other tissues via glucuronidation, mainly by CYP450 isoenzymes into retinoic acid; undergoes enterohepatic recirculation.
Excretion: Via urine and faeces.

Chemical Structure

Storage

Cap: Store below 25°C. Protect from light. Solution for IM inj: Store between 2-8°C. Do not freeze.

MIMS Class

Vitamins A, D & E

ATC Classification

A11CA01 - retinol (vit A) ; Belongs to the class of vitamin A. Used as dietary supplements.

References

Aquasol A Injection, Solution (Casper Pharma LLC). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 30/04/2025.

Brayfield A, Cadart C (eds). Vitamin A. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 30/04/2025.

Joint Formulary Committee. Vitamin A. British National Formulary [online]. London. BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 30/04/2025.

Khriz Vitamin A (Softesule). MIMS Philippines. http://www.mims.com/philippines. Accessed 30/04/2025.

Vitamin A. Gold Standard Drug Database in ClinicalKey [online]. Elsevier Inc. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed 19/06/2025.

Vitamin A. UpToDate Lexidrug, Lexi-Drugs Multinational Online. Waltham, MA. UpToDate, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 30/04/2025.

Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Retinol from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2025 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com