Vitamin A (Retinol)
Essential for vision, immune function, and skin health. High-dose supplements are given every 6 months in many developing countries.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosed in International Units (IU). WHO Measles protocol: 2 doses given 24 hours apart.
- Body Weight
- Infants <6 months
- Dose
- 50,000 IU
- Frequency
- Single dose
- Tracking Notes
- Treatment dose for measles.
- Body Weight
- Infants 6-12 months
- Dose
- 100,000 IU
- Frequency
- Single dose
- Tracking Notes
- Capsule tip is cut and liquid squeezed into mouth.
- Body Weight
- Children >12 months
- Dose
- 200,000 IU
- Frequency
- Single dose
- Tracking Notes
- Given every 6 months for prevention.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infants <6 months | 50,000 IU | Single dose | Treatment dose for measles. |
| Infants 6-12 months | 100,000 IU | Single dose | Capsule tip is cut and liquid squeezed into mouth. |
| Children >12 months | 200,000 IU | Single dose | Given every 6 months for prevention. |
Formulation
Purpose
Prevention and treatment of Vitamin A deficiency and to reduce mortality in children with measles.
Generic Name
Retinyl PalmitateBranded Drug Names
Vitamin A (Retinol) is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.
Alternatives
Safety Advice
Alcohol
CAUTIONVitamin A (Retinol): Alcohol may worsen dehydration, stomach upset, or interfere with nutritional recovery. Avoid or limit alcohol.
Pregnancy
SAFE IF PRESCRIBEDVitamin A (Retinol): Generally safe in pregnancy when used at recommended doses or as prescribed. Avoid excessive supplementation.
Breast Feeding
SAFEVitamin A (Retinol): Generally compatible with breastfeeding when used at recommended doses. Ask a healthcare provider before high-dose use.
Driving
SAFEVitamin A (Retinol): Usually does not affect driving. Avoid driving only if you feel unwell, dizzy, or weak from the underlying condition.
Liver
SAFE IF PRESCRIBEDVitamin A (Retinol): Usually safe at recommended doses, but high-dose or fat-soluble vitamin use should be medically supervised in liver disease.
Kidney
CAUTIONVitamin A (Retinol): Kidney disease may require avoiding or adjusting minerals and electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, or phosphate.