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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Vitamin A & D

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Vitamin A & D

  • Vitamin A & D should not be taken by women who are or who may become pregnant, unless advised by a doctor.

About vitamin A & D

Type of medicineVitamin
Used forVitamin A & D deficiency
Available asCapsules and liquid

Before taking vitamin A & D make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from kidney, liver or heart problems.
  • If you know you have high levels of calcium in the blood or urine.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
  • If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take vitamin A & D

  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Vitamin A & D must not be taken if you are pregnant, unless advised by a doctor.
  • Taking vitamin A & D as a general 'pick-me-up' has not been proved to be of value and it can be harmful if more than the recommended dose is taken.

Can vitamin A & D cause problems

Vitamin A & D is unlikely to cause side effects when taken to treat vitamin deficiency at the recommended doses.

The use of large amounts of vitamin A & D, or the taking of vitamin A & D over a long period of time, can cause the following effects: sweating, headache, thirstiness, tiredness, dizziness, stomach upset, irritability, rough skin, dry hair, sore mouth, fever, cracked lips and high blood calcium levels.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store vitamin A & D

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008DocID:
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dils2475		Last Reviewed:
9 Sep 2008		Version:
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