Vitamin E

Generic name: Vitamin E

Drug class: Vitamins

Dosage forms: Capsule, Liquid, Solution, Tablet, Oil

Root of administration: Oral, Topical

Dose: Capsule: 100 intl units; 1000 intl units; 180 mg; 200 intl units; 33.5 mg; 400 intl units; 90 mg; dl-alpha 400 intl units; dl-alpha1000 intl units; with mixed tocopherols 1000 intl units; with mixed tocopherols 200 intl units; with mixed tocopherols 400 intl units), Liquid:75 intl units (50 mg)/mL, d-alpha tocopherol with tocopherols and tocotrienols), Solution: 15 intl units/0.3 mL, Tablet: 100 intl units, Oil: 100 intl units/0.25 mL

Mechanism of action: Vitamin E is likely effective in alternative medicine as an aid in treating a condition that affects movement and motor control (ataxia with vitamin E deficiency) caused by very low vitamin E levels in the blood and to treat and prevent vitamin E deficiency.

Drug usage cases: Vitamin E has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating Alzheimer disease, beta-thalassemia, menstrual pain, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, nitrate tolerance, premenstrual syndrome, reducing the risk for bleeding into the brain or inside the skull, and improving symptoms in people with a movement disorder (tardive dyskinesia). Vitamin E has also been used to treat or prevent macular degeneration (age-related vision loss), a nerve-muscle disorder (ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease), hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), atopic dermatitis (eczema), cataracts, high blood pressure, liver disease, parkinson’s disease, pre-eclampsia, scarring caused by surgery, and pain or stiffness caused by osteoarthritis. However, research has shown that vitamin E may not be effective in treating these conditions. Other uses not proven with research have included asthma, dementia, depression, diabetes, Down syndrome, infertility, inflammatory bowel disease, menopausal symptoms, muscular dystrophy, obesity, osteoporosis, low bone mineral density (osteopenia), restless legs syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, schizophrenia, stroke, sunburn, and uveitis. It is not certain whether vitamin E is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Vitamin E should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Drug contra indications: Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have or have ever had:

bleeding problems; an eye disorder called retinitis pigmentosa; a vitamin K deficiency; diabetes; osteoporosis or low bone mineral density; heart disease; cancer; a stroke; or kidney disease. Ask a doctor before using this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are breastfeeding.

Side effects: Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to vitamin E: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Using high doses might increase the risk of certain side effects. Vitamin E may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), abnormal vaginal bleeding, any bleeding that will not stop; heart problems – swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath; heart attack symptoms – chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating; or bleeding in your brain – sudden weakness (especially on one side of the body), severe headache, problems with speech or vision.

Warnings: Avoid taking other vitamins, mineral supplements, or nutritional products without your doctor’s advice. If you also take orlistat (alli, Xenical), do not take it within 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take vitamin E.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Ask a doctor before using this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are breastfeeding.