Vitamin A
Also known as: Roaccutane, Isotrex, Isotrexin, Vitamin E suspension
> **CRITICAL WARNING:** This medication can cause severe birth defects. **Pregnant women or women trying to conceive must absolutely not handle this medication or the pet's treated skin.** - Always wear **disposable gloves** when applying the topical gel. - Do not use this medication if your pet is pregnant or intended for breeding. - Watch your pet's eyes closely; this drug can change the lipid content of tears and cause severe **dry eye**. Contact your vet if you notice squinting, redness, or thick eye discharge. - Keep the medication out of direct sunlight. - Do not apply other topical medications to the same area unless instructed by your veterinarian.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Antioxidant support, liver disease, or malabsorption (EPI)
- Antioxidant support or malabsorption
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Teratogenicity (fetal malformations)
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS / dry eye)
- Hepatotoxicity
- Hyperlipidaemia
- Hypercalcaemia (due to bone calcium loss with prolonged use)
- Skin redness and pigmentation
- Haematological abnormalities
- Nervous system changes
- Bone changes
- Thrombosis
- Anaphylactoid reactions
Cautions & contraindications
- Pregnant animals
- Breeding animals
- Patients at high risk for thrombosis
- Neonates
- > **TERATOGENIC WARNING:** Gloves should be worn when applying topical preparations. Pregnant women should avoid handling these medications entirely. - Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, or mucous membranes. - Avoid concurrent use of oral and topical preparations due to cumulative toxicity. - **Do not use** formulations of vitamins A, D3, and E authorized for farm animals or horses in small animals, as they are too concentrated and risk severe toxicity. - Minimize exposure of the drug to sunlight.
Drug interactions
- Ciclosporin: Oral vitamin A may alter ciclosporin levels; requires close monitoring.
- Other topical drugs: Do not use topical vitamin A preparations simultaneously with other topical drugs.
- Vitamin A: May enhance vitamin A absorption, utilization, and storage.
Frequently asked questions
What is Vitamin A used for in pets?
> **CRITICAL WARNING:** This medication can cause severe birth defects. **Pregnant women or women trying to conceive must absolutely not handle this medication or the pet's treated skin.** - Always wear **disposable gloves** when applying the topical gel. - Do not use this medication if your pet is pregnant or intended for breeding. - Watch your pet's eyes closely; this drug can change the lipid content of tears and cause severe **dry eye**. Contact your vet if you notice squinting, redness, or thick eye discharge. - Keep the medication out of direct sunlight. - Do not apply other topical medications to the same area unless instructed by your veterinarian.
Is Vitamin A safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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