Beta Carotene (By mouth)
bay-ta KAR-oh-teen
Antioxidant. This medicine is a form of vitamin A.
Drug classes
Nutritive Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Vitamins are compounds that you must have for growth and health. They are needed in small amounts only and are usually available in the foods that you eat. Beta-carotene is converted in the body to vitamin A, which is necessary for healthy eyes and skin.
A lack of vitamin A may cause a rare condition called night blindness (problems seeing in the dark). It may also cause dry eyes, eye infections, skin problems, and slowed growth. Your health care professional may treat these problems by prescribing either beta carotene, which your body can change into vitamin A, or vitamin A for you.
Some conditions may increase your need for vitamin A. These include:
Cystic fibrosis
Diarrhea, continuing
Illness, long-term
Injury, serious
Liver disease
Malabsorption problems
Pancreas disease
Increased need for vitamin A should be determined by your health care professional.
Claims that beta carotene is effective as a sunscreen have not been proven. Although beta-carotene supplements are being studied for their ability to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer and possibly heart disease, there is not enough information to show that this is effective.
Beta-carotene may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Beta-carotene is available without a prescription.
Once a product has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although this use is not included in product labeling, beta carotene is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:
Polymorphous light eruption (a type of reaction to sun)
Erythropoietic protoporphyria photosensitivity reaction (a type of reaction to sun)
Other than the above information, there is no additional information relating to proper use, precautions, or side effects for these uses.
Importance of Diet
For good health, it is important that you eat a balanced and varied diet. Follow carefully any diet program your health care professional may recommend. For your specific dietary vitamin and/or mineral needs, ask your health care professional for a list of appropriate foods. If you think that you are not getting enough vitamins and/or minerals in your diet, you may choose to take a dietary supplement.
It is documented that people who consume diets high in fruits and vegetables have a reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Fruits and vegetables are rich in beta carotene and other nutrients that may be beneficial.
Beta-carotene is found in carrots; dark-green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and green leaf lettuce; sweet potatoes; broccoli; cantaloupe; and winter squash. The body converts beta carotene into vitamin A. Ordinary cooking does not destroy beta-carotene.
Vitamins alone will not take the place of a good diet and will not provide energy. Your body needs other substances found in food, such as protein, minerals, carbohydrates, and fat. Vitamins themselves often cannot work without the presence of other foods. For example, some fat is needed so that beta carotene can be absorbed into the body.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Liquid Filled Capsule
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
If you are using this medicine without a doctor’s order, follow the directions on the medicine label.
If a dose is missed:
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Missing one dose of vitamins is usually not a cause for concern.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to beta carotene, or any of the other ingredients listed on the label. This medicine should not be given to a child under 18 years old, unless a doctor tells you to.
Warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
Make sure your doctor knows if you smoke or take alcohol daily.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Changes in your skin color.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
A-Caro-25, Lumitene
There may be other brand names for this medicine.