Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that functions as a powerful antioxidant in the body, protecting cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. It is available in various forms including capsules, softgels, and topical preparations, and is commonly used to address vitamin E deficiency and support overall skin and cellular health.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant vitamin used to treat deficiency and support skin and cellular health.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A11HA03
- RxNorm
- 2046
- Generic
- Vitamin E
- Class
- atc-a11
- Brands
- Q-Gel, Q-Gel with Lipoic Acid, Hemax, Liq-10, Macuvite with Lutein, Q-Up, Multi-Delyn, Lactocal, Vitafol-One, Replesta NX, NeoQ10, Aquasol E, Ocuvite, Poly-Vi-Sol, Ocuvite Lutein
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- B
- Lactation
- safe
- Half-life (h)
- 24
- Onset (min)
- 0
- Duration (h)
- 48
- Routes
- oral, topical, rectal
- Forms
- softgel, tablet, liquid, drops, cream, gel
- Regions
- United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Europe
- Monitoring
- no routine monitoring required
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 at recommended dose
use only at recommended dietary allowance (15mg/day) during pregnancy
standard prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesterno adjustment needed at recommended dose
continue at recommended dietary allowance (15mg/day)
standard prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesterno adjustment needed at recommended dose
maintain recommended dose (15mg/day) until delivery
standard prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
continue at recommended dose (19mg/day) while breastfeeding
standard postpartum care
geriatric
elderly over 65monitor closely for adverse effects
use with caution due to increased bleeding risk with anticoagulants
monitor coagulation parameters when on anticoagulants
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infants 0 12 monthsuse age-appropriate formulation only
use only pediatric formulations; avoid adult formulations
follow pediatrician guidance
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 1 18 yearsage-specific dosing required
use pediatric multivitamin formulations at recommended doses
routine pediatric check-ups
renal_impairment
mild to moderatereduce dose or avoid supplements
supplementation not routinely recommended; monitor serum levels
periodic serum vitamin E and renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe esrdavoid supplementation
avoid vitamin E supplements in dialysis patients
monitor for accumulation and bleeding risk
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateuse with caution
impaired fat absorption may reduce vitamin E uptake; monitor levels
monitor serum vitamin E levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe cirrhosisavoid supplementation
avoid high-dose vitamin E in advanced liver disease
monitor liver function and coagulation
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
alcohol_users
chronic alcohol usemay require supplementation under medical supervision
alcohol depletes vitamin E; supplementation may be beneficial but monitor
monitor liver function and vitamin E status
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Common formulations
Available dosage forms
Treatment and prevention of vitamin E deficiency states. Commonly used as a dietary supplement when intake from food sources is inadequate. Topical formulations are used for skin health and cosmetic purposes.
Vitamin E acts primarily as an antioxidant, protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage by neutralizing free radicals. It is incorporated into cell membranes where it prevents lipid peroxidation and supports immune function.
Vitamin E is fat-soluble and can accumulate in the body with excessive supplementation. High doses may increase bleeding risk, especially in individuals taking blood-thinning medications. Natural (d-alpha-tocopherol) and synthetic (dl-alpha-tocopherol) forms differ in potency. Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended before starting supplementation, particularly for those with existing health conditions or who are taking 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 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy