Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin integrity. It is used to treat and prevent vitamin A deficiency, which can cause night blindness, dry eyes, and skin problems.
Vitamin A is an essential vitamin used to treat deficiency and support vision, immune function, and skin health.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A11CA01
- RxNorm
- 11246
- Generic
- Vitamin A
- Class
- atc-a11
- Brands
- Multi-Delyn, Lactocal, Vitafol-One, Infuvite, Infuvite Pediatric, Vital E- A + D3, Vital E- Repro, Vital E- Newborn, Aquasol A, Poly-Vi-Sol, Tri-Vi-Sol, MVC-Fluoride
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral, sublingual, topical
- Forms
- injection, solution, tablet, capsule, suspension
- 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
- 3,000 IU daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1,000 IU daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 3,000 IU daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid high doses (>10,000 IU/day)
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; do not exceed 8,000 IU/day
regular prenatal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesterlimit to recommended dietary allowance
do not exceed 3,000 IU (900 mcg RAE) daily from all sources
standard prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
postpartumcontinue standard dosing
generally safe; breastfeeding mothers should ensure adequate intake but not exceed 4,000 IU/day
none specific
pediatric_age
infants 0 12 monthsuse only as directed by pediatrician
supplementation only under medical supervision; avoid excessive dosing
growth monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 1 8 yearsage-appropriate dosing only
follow age-specific recommendations; do not exceed 2,000 IU/day for ages 1-3
routine pediatric checkups
geriatric
65 years and oldermonitor liver function
use with caution; consider reduced dosing if liver function compromised
periodic liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe ckdno significant adjustment needed
generally safe at recommended doses; no renal excretion concerns
standard renal function monitoring
hepatic_impairment
liver diseasereduce dose or avoid
use with extreme caution; vitamin A accumulates in liver and may exacerbate liver damage
regular liver function tests and vitamin A level monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Vitamin A belongs to the retinoid family of compounds
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications for Vitamin A supplementation
Commonly prescribed since
Historical prescribing information for Vitamin A supplements
Regulatory status
FDA classification of Vitamin A as a dietary supplement
Treatment and prevention of vitamin A deficiency, night blindness, xerophthalmia, measles in vitamin A deficient children, and as a supplement in malabsorption syndromes
Vitamin A is essential for the production of rhodopsin in retinal rods (enabling night vision), maintaining epithelial cell integrity, and supporting immune system function through lymphocyte activity and mucosal defenses
Should not exceed recommended daily allowance during pregnancy as high doses can cause birth defects. Fat malabsorption conditions may impair absorption. May interact with retinoids, tetracyclines, and anticoagulants.
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