Biotin
Biotin is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin (vitamin B7) crucial for metabolic function, helping convert food into energy, and is often used to treat biotin deficiency and related conditions.
Biotin is a B-vitamin supplement used to treat deficiency and support healthy hair, skin, and nails.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A11HA05
- RxNorm
- 1588
- Generic
- Biotin
- Class
- atc-a11
- Brands
- Hemax, Irospan Tablet, Infuvite, Infuvite Pediatric, Concept OB, Lexinal, Dialyvite 800, Dialyvite 800 with Zinc, Appearex, Dialyvite 800 with Iron
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral, topical, sublingual
- Forms
- tablet, solution, capsule, spray
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
12 groupspregnancy
first trimesterno adjustment needed
safe for use in recommended prenatal vitamin doses
none specific
pregnancy
second trimesterno adjustment needed
safe for use in recommended prenatal vitamin doses
none specific
pregnancy
third trimesterno adjustment needed
safe for use in recommended prenatal vitamin doses
none specific
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
safe for use; excreted in breast milk in small amounts
none specific
pediatric_age
infantsuse age-appropriate formulations only
use under pediatric supervision; do not exceed age-specific recommendations
none specific
pediatric_age
childrenuse age-appropriate dosage
follow pediatric dosing guidelines; do not exceed recommended daily allowance
none specific
geriatric
elderlyno adjustment needed
safe for use in elderly population
none specific
renal_impairment
mild renal impairmentno adjustment needed
generally safe; water-soluble vitamin excreted in urine
none specific
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentconsider reduced dose or monitoring
use with caution in severe renal impairment; may require dose adjustment
monitor for accumulation if high doses used
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild hepatic impairmentno adjustment needed
biotin is not significantly metabolized by liver; generally safe
none specific
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentno adjustment needed
biotin is not significantly metabolized by liver; generally safe
none specific
alcohol_users
chronic alcohol useensure adequate intake
alcohol may impair absorption; ensure adequate nutritional intake
monitor for deficiency in chronic alcohol users
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Biotin is classified as a water-soluble vitamin B complex vitamin
Common uses
Common therapeutic applications of biotin supplementation
Commonly prescribed since
Historical prescribing information for biotin-containing supplements
Treatment and prevention of biotin deficiency, biotinidase deficiency (a genetic disorder affecting biotin metabolism), brittle nail syndrome, and hair loss. Also used as a dietary supplement for general hair, skin, and nail health maintenance.
Biotin acts as a coenzyme for carboxylase enzymes involved in fatty acid synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and gluconeogenesis. It helps the body convert carbohydrates, proteins, and fats from food into usable energy for cellular processes.
Generally well-tolerated when taken at recommended doses. High-dose biotin supplements may interfere with certain laboratory blood tests (particularly thyroid and cardiac biomarkers), potentially causing inaccurate results. Consult a healthcare provider before use if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy