Home Drug Guide Beta Carotene

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Beta Carotene

Brand Names Solatene

Classification

Therapeutic: Nutritional supplement and antioxidant

Pharmacological: Provitamin A and carotenoid

FDA Approved Indications

  • As a dietary supplement to prevent vitamin A deficiency in certain populations
  • Antioxidant support (note: not FDA approved specifically for antioxidant claims)

Mechanism of Action

Beta carotene is a precursor to vitamin A; it is converted in the body to retinol (Vitamin A) which is essential for vision, immune function, and skin health. It also acts as an antioxidant, scavenging free radicals.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: 25,000 to 50,000 IU daily, depending on dietary intake and deficiency status

Pediatric: Dose varies based on age and nutritional needs, typically under supervision of a healthcare provider

Geriatric: Similar to adult dosing, with consideration for hepatic function and nutritional status

Renal Impairment: Use with caution; no specific dose adjustment established

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; monitor for toxicity

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Absorbed in the small intestine, depends on dietary fat intake

Distribution: Distributed throughout body tissues, stored in fat and liver

Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver to retinoids and other metabolites

Excretion: Excreted mainly in feces via bile; minor urinary excretion

Half Life: Approximately 5-8 days (varies with tissue storage and release)

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to beta carotene or other carotenoids

Precautions

  • Use with caution in smokers or those with a history of cancer, as high doses may increase risk of lung cancer in smokers.
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: consult healthcare provider before use.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Skin discoloration (yellow-orange tint) (Infrequent when used at recommended doses)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Carotenodermia (yellow-orange pigmentation of skin) that is reversible upon cessation (Common at high doses)
  • Possible increased risk of lung cancer in smokers taking high doses (Rare but concerns raised in some studies)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • May interact with other antioxidants or vitamin A supplements, leading to potential toxicity

Drug-Food Interactions

  • Fat enhances absorption

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor for signs of hypervitaminosis A, skin changes, and toxicity

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for toxicity related to excessive intake

Implementation: Ensure appropriate dosing based on dietary intake and deficiency status

Evaluation: Assess for reduction in deficiency symptoms and any adverse effects

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Avoid excessive intake beyond recommended doses
  • Report any skin discoloration or unusual symptoms
  • Maintain a balanced diet including dietary fat to enhance absorption

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • None currently, but avoid high doses in smokers due to potential increased lung cancer risk

Genetic Factors: Genetic variations can influence carotenoid metabolism

Lab Test Interference: None typical

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Yellow-orange skin discoloration, potential gastrointestinal disturbances

Treatment: Discontinue supplement, symptomatic management, monitor skin pigmentation

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, protected from light

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.