INN monograph
Vitamin A
Vitamin A [EPC], Vitamin C [EPC] · POM
Verified · Updated 01 Aug 2026 · Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; FDA drug label via OpenFDA/DailyMed; Professional class pharmacology (Vitamin / mineral / nutritional supplement)
Kenya market
Wholesale / list prices where loaded
Risk first
Contraindications
- Hypervitaminosis risk states (hypercalcaemia for vitamin D/A).
- Iron: avoid in iron overload.
- Potassium: severe hyperkalaemia / untreated Addison's.
Precautions
- Treat confirmed deficiency with monitored repletion.
- Avoid megadoses without indication.
- Iron: keep away from children (overdose lethal).
Point of care
Dosing
Adult
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION 1.0 mL daily or as directed by physician. May be dropped directly into the mouth with dropper; or mixed with cereal, fruit juice or other food. Tri-Vite Drops with Fluoride 0.25 mg is available in 50 mL bottles with accompanying calibrated dropper.
Paediatric
See label paediatric section if present; otherwise use paediatric formulary — do not extrapolate adult doses.
Renal
Fat-soluble vitamins and potassium need care in advanced CKD.
- CrCl 0–120: Confirm renal dosing in product SmPC / primary label.
Hepatic
Vitamin A toxicity hepatic; niacin hepatotoxicity at high dose.
Safety
Drug interactions
- Prefer food-first then targeted replacement.
- Document laboratory indication for high-dose therapy.
- Public health: vitamin A, iron, folate programmes per MoH guidance.
Safety
Adverse effects
- GI upset (iron, high-dose vitamin C).
- Hypercalcaemia (vitamin D excess).
- Neuropathy with B6 megadoses.
- Flushing (niacin).
Use
Indications
- INDICATIONS AND USAGE Supplementation of the diet with vitamins A, C and D.
- Tri-Vite Drops with Fluoride 0.25 mg also provides fluoride for caries prophylaxis.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children up to age 16, in areas where drinking water contains less than optimal levels of fluoride, receive daily fluoride supplementation.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that infants and young children 6 months to 3 years of age, in areas where the drinking water contains less than 0.3 ppm of fluoride, and children 3-6 years of age, in areas where the drinking water contains 0.3 through 0.6 ppm of fluoride, receive 0.25 mg of supplemental fluoride daily which is provided in a dose of 1 mL of Tri-Vite Drops with Fluoride 0.25 mg (See Dosage and Administration ).
- Tri-Vite Drops with Fluoride 0.25 mg supply significant amounts of vitamins A, C and D to supplement the diet, and to help assure that nutritional deficiencies of these vitamins will not develop.
- Thus, in a single easy-to-use preparation, children obtain essential vitamins and fluoride.
Pharmacology
Mode of action
It combines with opsin, which is the red pigment in the retina to form rhodopsin [visual purple] when it is in form of retinol.
Full mechanism text
It combines with opsin, which is the red pigment in the retina to form rhodopsin [visual purple] when it is in form of retinol. Rhodopsin is necessary for visual adaptation to darkness. Retinol and retinoic acid, being other forms of Vitamin A, are essential for growth of bone, testicular and ovarian function, for embryonic development, and for regulation of growth and differentiation of epithelial tissues.
ADME
Pharmacokinetics & PD
| Onset | Days–weeks for repletion |
|---|---|
| Duration | Depends on stores and ongoing intake |
| Route | ORAL / IM / IV (selected) |
Full PK/PD text
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY It is well established that fluoridation of the water supply (1 ppm fluoride) during the period of tooth development leads to a significant decrease in the incidence of dental caries. Hydroxyapatite is the principal crystal for all calcified tissue in the human body. The fluoride ion reacts with hydroxyapatite in the tooth as it is formed to produce the more caries-resistant crystal, fluorapatite. The reaction may be expressed by the equation: Three stages of fluoride deposition in tooth enamel can be distinguished: 1. Small amounts (reflecting the low levels of fluoride in tissue fluids) are incorporated into the enamel crystals while they are being formed. 2. After enamel has been laid down, fluoride deposition continues in the surface enamel. Diffusion of fluoride from the surface inward is apparently restricted. 3. After eruption, the surface enamel acquires fluoride from water, food, supplementary fluoride and smaller amounts from saliva. eq
Kenya
Brands & prices
| Brand | Company | Pack | KES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | Biodeal Laboratories Ltd. | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
Special populations
Pregnancy & lactation
Pregnancy
Folic acid preconception/first trimester critical. Iron/folate common in ANC. Avoid excess vitamin A.
Lactation
Maternal repletion often appropriate; avoid megadoses.
Diet
Food & alcohol
- Food
- Food
Trust
Sources & disclaimer
Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; FDA drug label via OpenFDA/DailyMed; Professional class pharmacology (Vitamin / mineral / nutritional supplement)
Last reviewed: 01 Aug 2026
Decision support only — not a substitute for clinical judgment, product SmPC, or Kenya STG/EML.