Know these things before taking Vitamin A and getting a good result for your body!

Have you or someone in your family ever been prescribed a vitamin by a doctor? Sometimes, the foods we eat alone don't provide all the nutrients and vitamins our body needs. That's when we need supplements like vitamin A. But when a doctor prescribes something like this, it's very important to be aware of how to use it and what it can do. So today, let's talk about vitamin A.

What exactly is vitamin A?

Simply put, vitamin A is a vitamin that is naturally present in our environment and is essential for the body. Usually, if we eat a balanced diet, we get vitamin A through it. However, some people may develop vitamin A deficiency, which means a decrease in the level of vitamin A in the body. In such cases, this medicine is given as a treatment and also to prevent that condition. In addition, vitamin A is also used to treat some genetic skin conditions. In Sri Lanka, this medicine can be found under brand names such as `A Mulsin`.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

It is essential that your doctor knows your complete medical history before prescribing this medication. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor.

• If your body already has high levels of vitamin A.
• If you have kidney disease .
• If you have liver disease .
• If you have previously had an allergic reaction to vitamin A or any other medicine, food, dye, or preservative.
• If you are pregnant or expecting a baby .
• If you are a breastfeeding mother .

Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this medication is suitable for you or not and what dosage to give.

How to use vitamin A properly

The method of using this medicine is very simple.

1. This medicine is taken orally. Take it with a glass of water.

2. Follow the instructions on the medicine package or the medicine label provided by the doctor exactly.

3. For best results, take this vitamin with a meal. This will help the body absorb it better.

4. Take your medicine at the right time and at the right intervals. Never take more than the doctor tells you to.

If you are giving this medicine to your young child, it is very important to talk to your pediatrician about it. Although it is prescribed for children in some selected cases, there are some things to be careful about.

What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdosage)

Imagine that you or someone else in your household has taken too much of this medicine. Don't take it lightly, thinking that it's a vitamin. Too much vitamin A can be dangerous.

This is a medicine prescribed for you only. Do not share it with others.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

Missing a dose is something that can happen to anyone. If this happens, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.

Other medications that may interact with vitamin A

Some medications can react with vitamin A and cause problems. Therefore, if you are taking these medications, you should tell your doctor about it.

Do not take vitamin A with these medications:

• Other products containing vitamin A or retinoids (these are compounds similar to vitamin A).

Vitamin A may also interact with these medications:

• Beta-carotene supplements.
• Cholestyramine (a cholesterol-lowering drug).
• Mineral oil.
• Orlistat (a weight loss drug).

This list is not complete. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed by other doctors, bought from pharmacies), traditional medicines, herbal products, vitamins . Also, inform him if you smoke or drink alcohol.

Be careful of this when taking vitamin A.

It is very important to follow a good balanced diet. Taking a vitamin supplement does not mean that a good diet is unnecessary. There are many foods that naturally contain vitamin A.

• Green and yellow fruits and vegetables (e.g. carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, spinach)
• Eggs
• Butter
• Milk
• Meat
• Oily fish

Possible side effects

Like any medicine, vitamin A can cause side effects in some people. Some of them are serious, while others are mild.

This list may not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, please seek medical advice.

How to keep medicine safe?

• Do not leave it where children can get hold of it.
• Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius).
• Protect from excessive heat and light.
• Throw away expired medicine.

In this article, we only talked briefly about vitamin A. If you have any other concerns, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about it.

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