← Search & browse all drugs
DERMATOLOGICALS › EMOLLIENTS AND PROTECTIVES › PROTECTIVES AGAINST UV-RADIATION › Protectives against UV-radiation for systemic use
betacarotene
D02BB01
Forms & Strengths
- Oral capsules: 10 mg, 15 mg, 25 mg
- Oral tablets: 25 mg
- Oral liquid: 15 mg/5 mL
Adult Dosing
- Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP): 30 mg to 300 mg daily, adjusted to maintain serum carotenoid levels around 600-800 mcg/dL
- Dietary supplement: 3 mg to 15 mg daily
Pediatric Dosing
- Erythropoietic protoporphyria (Children < 4 years): 30 mg to 150 mg daily
- Erythropoietic protoporphyria (Children >= 4 years): 30 mg to 300 mg daily
Indications
- Reduction of photosensitivity in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP)
- Dietary supplementation for vitamin A deficiency prevention
Mechanism of Action
- Acts as a precursor to vitamin A (retinol)
- Functions as an antioxidant, scavenging free radicals and singlet oxygen
- Accumulates in the skin, providing a photoprotective effect against sunlight-induced photosensitivity in EPP
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to beta-carotene or any component of the formulation
- Pre-existing hypervitaminosis A
- Heavy smokers (increased risk of lung cancer associated with high-dose supplementation)
Adverse Reactions
- Carotenodermia (yellowish-orange skin discoloration, harmless)
- Yellow discoloration of urine
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Joint pain
Drug Interactions
- Orlistat: Decreases absorption of beta-carotene and fat-soluble vitamins
- Mineral oil: Interferes with the absorption of beta-carotene
- Ethanol: Chronic heavy use may enhance hepatotoxicity and alter metabolism
- Statins: May reduce plasma carotenoid concentrations
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use