Abivit‑A 50 000 IU is a softgel capsule formulation of preformed vitamin A (retinol palmitate) indicated for the prevention and treatment of vitamin A deficiency—such as night blindness, xerophthalmia, and mucocutaneous disorders—and used prophylactically in measles and severe malnutrition; each capsule delivers 15 mg retinol equivalent (50 000 IU), requires dietary fat and bile salts for optimal absorption, is transported via chylomicrons to the liver for storage, and carries a risk of hypervitaminosis A and teratogenicity at excessive doses, particularly in pregnancy .
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Composition and Formulation
Active Ingredient: Retinol Palmitate (preformed Vitamin A), 15 mg retinol equivalent (50 000 IU) per capsule .
Dosage Form: Oil‑based softgel designed to enhance bioavailability of this fat‑soluble vitamin .
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Indications and Uses
Vitamin A Deficiency: Night blindness, xerophthalmia, Bitot’s spots, and related ophthalmic conditions .
Prophylaxis in Measles & Malnutrition: High‑risk pediatric populations with measles or severe undernutrition .
Dermatological Disorders (Adjunctive): Acne vulgaris, ichthyosis, psoriasis, and Darier’s disease .
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Mechanism of Action
Visual Cycle: Hydrolysis of retinyl palmitate to retinol and retinal facilitates rhodopsin synthesis in retinal rod cells, essential for low‑light vision .
Epithelial Integrity: Supports mucosal and skin health by regulating cell differentiation and keratinization .
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Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Dependent on bile salts, pancreatic lipase, and dietary fat.
Distribution & Storage: Packaged into chylomicrons, transported to the liver, and stored in Kupffer cells as retinyl esters .
Elimination: Slow release from hepatic stores; half‑life varies with dosing and nutritional status.
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Dosage and Administration
Adults: 50 000 IU daily up to 100 000 IU under medical supervision for 1–2 weeks; then maintenance dosing as clinically indicated .
Children:
Xerophthalmia: 200 000 IU on days 1, 2, and 14.
Measles: 200 000 IU on days 1 and 2.
Malnutrition/diarrhea/infections: 200 000 IU single doses following disease episode .
Administration: Take orally with meals to maximize absorption.
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Contraindications and Precautions
Hypersensitivity to any component .
Hypervitaminosis A: Avoid dosage >10 000 IU/day in pregnancy due to teratogenic risk; monitor hepatic function during high‑dose therapy .
Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; reduced storage capacity may alter pharmacokinetics.
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Adverse Effects
Acute Toxicity: Nausea, vomiting, headache, irritability.
Chronic Toxicity: Dry and pruritic skin, alopecia, hepatotoxicity, bone pain, hyperlipidemia .
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Storage and Packaging
Packaging: Softgel capsules, typically blister packs of 10 capsules.
Storage: Store at ≤25 °C, protect from light and moisture, keep out of reach of children .
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Pricing and Availability
Egypt
ian Market: Approximately 3.75 EGP per capsule; available via retail pharmacies and online platforms .