Vitamin A: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin supplement. It is used for vitamin A deficiency, night blindness, dry skin, dry eyes and measles in children. In Pakistan it is available as tablets, drops, capsules, syrup and sachets, made by 11 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Vitamin A works

Vitamin A is needed by the retina to make the light-sensitive pigment that lets you see in dim light. It also keeps the surface of the eye, the skin and the linings of the airways and gut healthy, and supports normal immune function and growth.

What is Vitamin A used for?

• Vitamin A deficiency
• Night blindness
• Dry skin
• Dry eyes
• Measles in children

Vitamin A is used to prevent and treat vitamin A deficiency, which can cause night blindness, dry and damaged eyes, rough dry skin and a higher risk of infections. Deficiency is more likely in young children with a poor diet, people with malabsorption problems and those with some liver or bowel conditions. Doctors may also give vitamin A to children with measles to reduce complications.

Side effects of Vitamin A

At normal supplement doses Vitamin A rarely causes problems, but taking too much may lead to:

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dry or peeling skin
• Dizziness
• Tiredness or irritability

Get medical help if you develop a severe headache, blurred vision, persistent vomiting, bone or joint pain, or yellowing of the skin, as these can be signs of vitamin A toxicity.

Precautions and warnings

• Do not take more than the recommended amount, and avoid combining several products that contain vitamin A, such as fish liver oils, multivitamins and the acne medicine isotretinoin.
• High doses of vitamin A can harm an unborn baby, so if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, take it only as advised by your doctor and avoid liver and liver products.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease or drink alcohol heavily, as vitamin A can build up and damage the liver.
• Long-term high intake may weaken bones, so older adults in particular should not exceed recommended amounts.
• Keep supplements out of the reach of children, and give children only the amount recommended for their age.

Frequently asked questions about Vitamin A

What is the price of Vitamin A in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Vitamin A products currently in stock range from Rs 206 to Rs 3,900 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Becefol Tablet at Rs 206. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Vitamin A are available in Pakistan?

Vitamin A is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Ora (Zeb Laboratories Ltd), Becefol (Abbott Laboratories Ltd), Egel (Centrum All Range), Mobical (Med Life Pharmaceuticals) and Cosmin (Saffron Pharma).

Do I need a prescription for Vitamin A?

Vitamin A is generally available without a prescription. Read the leaflet before use and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure, especially for children, during pregnancy, or if you take other medicines.

Can Vitamin A be used during pregnancy?

High doses of vitamin A can harm an unborn baby, so if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, take it only as advised by your doctor and avoid liver and liver products.

Vitamin A brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 14 products containing Vitamin A from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

Related medicines

Multivitamin · Calcium + Vitamin D3 · Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) · Iron (III) Hydroxide Polymaltose · Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) · Glucosamine Sulphate