Vitlipid N Adult (fat emulsions/vitamin A palmitate/vitamin D2/vit E/vit K1)

Vitamin E activity is generally expressed in USP or International Units which are equivalent; the International Unit of vitamin E is no longer officially recognized but continues to be used in the labeling of some preparations. It should be noted that vitamin E preparations are historically and incorrectly labeled as d- or dl-alpha-tocopherol and their respective esters. Vitamin E compounds include the all racemic (all rac)-alpha-tocopherol (dl-alpha-tocopherol (RRR-, RRS-, RSR-, RSS-, SSS-, SRS-, SSR-, and SRR-) or synthetic) form and its esters and the RRR-alpha-tocopherol (d-alpha-tocopherol or natural) form and its esters, and any of these compounds may be present in fortified foods and vitamin preparations.

One unit of vitamin E equals the biologic activity of 1 mg of all rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate), 1.12 mg of all rac-alpha-tocopheryl succinate (dl-alpha-tocopheryl acid succinate), 910 mcg of all rac-alpha-tocopherol (dl-alpha-tocopherol), 735 mcg of RRR-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (d-alpha-tocopheryl acetate), 830 mcg of RRR-alpha-tocopheryl succinate (d-alpha-tocopheryl acid succinate), and 670 mcg of RRR-alpha-tocopherol (d-alpha-tocopherol). However, because the USP potency unit for vitamin E was defined before studies showed a lack of human activity for the 2S-stereoisomers, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Food and Nutrition Board recommended in 2000 that the current equivalency defined in the USP standard be redefined based on the R-stereoisomeric forms of alpha-tocopherol, which are the forms that are active in humans. According to the NAS definition, each USP unit of vitamin E is equivalent to the biologic activity of 450 mcg of the synthetic all rac-alpha-forms of tocopherol and its esters or 670 mcg of the RRR-alpha-forms of tocopherol and its esters.

To avoid toxicity, dietary intake of vitamin A should be estimated and considered when determining the dosage of the vitamin. Vitamin A activity is expressed in terms of the equivalent amount of retinol (i.e., as retinol equivalents (RE) or retinol activity equivalents (RAE)) and is expressed also in USP units or International Units (IU, units). USP units and International Units are equivalent. One USP vitamin A unit is the specific biologic activity of 0.3 mcg of all-trans-retinol; one retinol equivalent (RE) is the specific biologic activity of 1 mcg of all-trans-retinol; one retinol activity equivalent (RAE) is equal to 1 mcg of all-trans-retinol, 12 mcg of all trans-beta-carotene, or 24 mcg of other provitamin A carotenoids. The use of RAE is preferred when calculating and reporting the amount of total vitamin A in mixed foods or assessing the amount of dietary and supplemental vitamin A consumed.

Dose, frequency of administration, and duration of treatment with phytonadione depend on the severity of the prothrombin deficiency and the response of the patient; the lowest effective dose of phytonadione should be used.

Dietary intake of ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol varies among individual patients, and dietary intake should always be considered when calculating the appropriate dosage of vitamin D analogs. During therapy with vitamin D analogs, dosage depends on the nature and severity of the patient's hypocalcemia and must be individualized to maintain serum calcium concentrations of 9-10 mg/dL. In the management of hypoparathyroidism, pseudohypoparathyroidism, and familial hypophosphatemia, the range between therapeutic and toxic effects is narrow; however, hypercalcemia may occur at any time when therapeutic doses of vitamin D analogs are used, and careful monitoring is imperative. In the management of secondary hyperparathyroidism, dosage of vitamin D analogs should be individualized according to serum or plasma intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) concentrations and serum calcium and phosphorus concentrations.

During therapy with vitamin D analogs, patients should receive adequate amounts of calcium through management of diet or administration of calcium supplements; however, overdosage of calcium may lead to hypercalcemia. Dosage of vitamin D analogs should be decreased when symptoms improve and before biochemical normality or complete bone healing has occurred because requirements for vitamin D analogs often decrease after bone healing occurs. In patients who become bedridden (especially children), dosage reduction may occasionally be needed to avoid hypercalcemia.

Vitamin E is usually administered orally. When oral administration is not feasible or when malabsorption is suspected, the drug may be given parenterally as a component of a multivitamin injection. Some clinicians use water-miscible oral vitamin E preparations in patients with malabsorption syndromes.

Vitamin A usually is administered orally. Oral vitamin A capsules containing high strengths (e.g., 50,000 units) no longer are commercially available in the US; however, high-strength oral capsules and solutions may be available from various organizations (e.g., United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the International Dispensary Association (IDA)) for treatment of deficiencies in developing countries. When oral administration is not feasible or when malabsorption is present, the drug may be given IM.

Phytonadione may be administered orally or parenterally (IV, IM, or subcutaneously). The parenteral preparation also has been administered orally+ in neonates. The route of administration of phytonadione depends on the severity of the prothrombin deficiency and the risks associated with administration by each route. The manufacturers state that because of the possibility of severe adverse reactions (see Cautions: Adverse Effects), IV or IM administration is indicated only when other routes of administration are not feasible and the serious risk is justified. However, the effects of phytonadione have been reported to be delayed and/or unpredictable following subcutaneous injection, and subcutaneous administration may be less effective for reversal of excessive anticoagulation than IV or oral administration. The American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) and other clinicians recommend IV administration of phytonadione in emergency situations for major bleeding due to vitamin K-antagonist anticoagulants because of its more rapid onset; these clinicians recommend that subcutaneous administration be avoided.

Oral administration of phytonadione usually reduces international normalized ratio (INR) levels in 24-48 hours and generally is recommended over parenteral administration in selected asymptomatic (nonbleeding) patients with hypoprothrombinemia due to vitamin K-antagonist anticoagulants. In patients with decreased bile secretion, bile salts (e.g., ox bile extract 300 mg or dehydrocholic acid 500 mg) should be given with each oral dose of phytonadione to ensure absorption. Parenteral administration is indicated in patients who are unable to retain or absorb the drug from the GI tract.

When phytonadione injection is administered IV, it should be injected at a rate not exceeding 1 mg/minute. The drug may be diluted for infusion with 0.9% sodium chloride, 5% dextrose, or 5% dextrose in 0.9% sodium chloride injection; other diluents that may contain benzyl alcohol should not be used. (See Cautions: Pediatric Precautions.) The drug should be administered immediately after dilution, and any unused portion of the dilution and the unused contents of the ampul or vial should be discarded. The infusion container must be protected from light at all times. (See Chemistry and Stability: Stability.)

Vitamin D analogs are usually administered orally; however, calcitriol, doxercalciferol, and paricalcitol may be given by IV injection. Ergocalciferol may be given by IM injection; however, a suitable formulation of the drug for IM injection no longer is commercially available in the US.

No dosing information is available for this tab.

No dosing information is available for this tab.

Vitamin E may increase the absorption, utilization, and storage of vitamin A and may protect against hypervitaminosis A; however, these effects are controversial.

Vitamin E in dosages of greater than 10 units/kg daily may delay the response to iron therapy in children with iron-deficiency anemia, and low-birthweight infants treated with iron supplements may develop vitamin E-deficiency hemolytic anemia.

Vitamin E or one of its metabolites reportedly may have anti-vitamin K effects; patients receiving oral anticoagulants may be at risk of hemorrhage after large doses of vitamin E. In normal healthy individuals, vitamin E caused no change in blood clotting.

Excessive use of mineral oil may decrease the absorption of vitamin E.

Orlistat may result in decreased GI absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin E. At least 2 hours should elapse between (before or after) any orlistat dose and vitamin E administration; administering fat-soluble vitamins at bedtime may be a convenient time. Although the manufacturer of orlistat recommends that a vitamin supplement containing fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) be used during orlistat therapy, such vitamin concentrations in clinical studies with the drug remained within the normal range for most patients despite decreases, and vitamin supplementation was only occasionally needed.

Because vitamin K1 is a pharmacologic antagonist to coumarin and indandione derivatives, patients being treated with these anticoagulants should not receive phytonadione except for the treatment of excessive hypoprothrombinemia. Phytonadione does not antagonize the anticoagulant effects of heparin, low molecular weight heparins, fondaparinux, or direct-acting oral anticoagulants.

Orlistat may result in decreased GI absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as phytonadione (vitamin K1). At least 2 hours should elapse between (before or after) any orlistat dose and phytonadione administration; administering fat-soluble vitamins at bedtime may be a convenient time. Although the manufacturer of orlistat recommends that a vitamin supplement containing fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) be used during orlistat therapy, such vitamin concentrations in clinical studies with the drug remained within the normal range for most patients despite decreases, and vitamin supplementation was only occasionally needed.

Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

Vitamin A/Selected Retinoids

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The retinoids are structurally related to vitamin A. (1-6)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of retinoids with vitamin A supplements may result in signs of vitamin A toxicity.(1-6) Symptoms of vitamin A toxicity include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, dry or itchy skin or lips, irritability, and hair loss.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of acitretin states that concomitant use of vitamin A supplements should be avoided.(1) The manufacturer of bexarotene states that patients should be advised to limit vitamin A supplements. In clinical studies, patients were advised to limit their vitamin A intake to less than or equal to 15,000 International Units/day.(2) The manufacturer of isotretinoin states that patients should be advised against taking vitamin A supplements.(3) The manufacturer of palovarotene states that concomitant use of vitamin A must be avoided.(4) The manufacturer of tretinoin states that tretinoin must not be administered in combination with vitamin A.(5) The UK manufacturer of alitretinoin states that tretinoin must not be administered in combination with vitamin A.(6)

DISCUSSION: The retinoids are structurally related to vitamin A. The concurrent use of retinoids with vitamin A may result in signs and symptoms of vitamin A toxicity.(1-6)

Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

Serum Phosphate Level-Altering Drugs/Erdafitinib

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Medications that alter serum phosphate may interfere with interpretation of phosphate levels that are needed to determine initial erdafitinib dose.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Serum phosphate levels that are elevated by concomitant medications may result in an inappropriately low dose and decreased effectiveness of erdafitinib. Serum phosphate levels that are decreased by concomitant medications may result in an inappropriately high dose and increased toxicity from erdafitinib.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of erdafitinib states that agents that alter serum phosphate levels should be avoided before the initial dose increase period for erdafitinib based on serum phosphate levels (days 14 to 21).(1)

DISCUSSION: Concomitant administration of serum phosphate level-altering agents during the initial dose increase period of erdafitinib based on serum phosphate levels (days 14 to 21) may interfere with serum phospate levels and lead to incorrect dosing of erdafitinib.(1) Agents that may alter serum phosphate levels linked to this monograph include: aluminum carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, calcium acetate, calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, cod liver oil, ferric citrate, lanthanum, magnesium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, potassium phosphate, sevelamer, sodium phosphate, sucroferric oxyhydroxide, tenapanor, and vitamin D.(1)

Vitamin K/Selected Anticoagulants (Vitamin K Antagonists)

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Anticoagulants interfere with the activation of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Vitamin K administration may reverse this effect.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The pharmacological effect of anticoagulants may be reversed resulting in thrombus formation.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving anticoagulants should avoid eating unusual increases in foods high in vitamin K content. The time of highest risk for a coumarin-type drug interaction is when the precipitant drug is initiated or discontinued. Contact the prescriber before initiating, altering the dose or discontinuing either drug.

DISCUSSION: Numerous reports have demonstrated that vitamin K interferes with the hypoprothrombinemic effects of anticoagulants. However, reports of clinically important consequences are uncommon. A clearer understanding of the mechanism by which these drugs act has made it possible to use vitamin K to control bleeding side effects of warfarin therapy. One should be aware of the vitamin K content of enteral feeding products being administered to patients on anticoagulant therapy. Prothrombin time should be monitored when these products are given.

There are no moderate interactions for this drug.

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• Hypervitaminosis D

• Hypercalcemia
• Hyperphosphatemia
• Kidney stone

• Increased risk of bleeding due to coagulation disorder
• Kidney disease with reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFr)
• Sarcoidosis
• Vitamin K deficiency induced hypoprothrombinemia

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Rare or Very Rare

• Anaphylaxis
• Cyanosis
• Dizziness
• Hyperbilirubinemia
• Hyperhidrosis
• Hypersensitivity drug reaction
• Hypotension
• Skin lesion

Less Frequent

• Dysgeusia
• Flushing
• Injection site sequelae
• Skin swelling

Rare or Very Rare

• Dyspnea
• Eczema
• Erythema
• Erythema dyschromicum perstans
• Pseudoscleroderma
• Tachycardia
• Urticaria

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No enhanced messaging available.

Vitamin E has not been shown to be teratogenic. There is no evidence that vitamin E requirements in pregnant women differ from women who are not pregnant. (See Dosage: Dietary and Replacement Requirements, under Dosage and Administration.)

Vitamin A is teratogenic in animals; malformations of the CNS, eye, palate, and urogenital tract have been described in several species. Adequate and well-controlled studies in humans are not available. A limited number of reports of human fetal malformations (e.g., cranial neural crest defects) following maternal ingestion of large dosages of vitamin A (10,000 units or more daily) during or both before and during pregnancy suggest potential teratogenicity, at least at high dosages. The use of vitamin A in excess of the US RDA generally is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. (See Dietary and Replacement Requirements in Dosage and Administration: Dosage.)If vitamin A is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while receiving the drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential fetal hazard. It also has been suggested that women of reproductive age should limit their intake of dietary sources (e.g., liver) containing high concentrations of vitamin A; beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, has not been shown to be teratogenic and may be considered as a source of vitamin A supplementation in such women. Dosages exceeding the RDA may be necessary in women of childbearing age with vitamin A deficiency. There is some evidence suggesting that dosages up to 10,000 units daily or up to 25,000 units weekly may be used safely in women of childbearing age (13-49 years of age), and such dosages are recommended in those with active xerophthalmia. Even higher dosages may be necessary if active corneal lesions are present. (See Vitamin A Deficiency under Dosage and Administration: Dosage.)

Reproduction studies have not been conducted in animals, and it is not known if phytonadione has teratogenic effects.

A characteristic physiognomy, possibly with aortic valvular stenosis, retinopathy, and mental and/or physical retardation, has occurred following prolonged hypercalcemia in infants and in neonates of mothers with hypercalcemia during pregnancy. Hypercalcemia during pregnancy may also lead to suppression of PTH concentrations in the neonate resulting in hypocalcemia, tetany, and seizures. Safe use of calcifediol, calcitriol, dihydrotachysterol (no longer commercially available in the US), paricalcitol, or ergocalciferol during pregnancy has not been established; however, the risks to the mother and fetus from untreated hypoparathyroidism or hypophosphatemia may be greater than those resulting from administration of vitamin D analogs.

Vitamin A is distributed into milk. Unless the maternal diet is inadequate, infants can usually obtain sufficient vitamin A from nursing, at least for the first 6 months of life. The effect of large maternal dosages of vitamin A on nursing infants is not known.

For information on the currently recommended RDAs of vitamin A for pregnant and lactating women, see Dietary and Replacement Requirements, under Dosage and Administration: Dosage.

Safe use of calcifediol, calcitriol, dihydrotachysterol, doxercalciferol, paricalcitol, or ergocalciferol during lactation has not been established; however, the risks to the mother and fetus from untreated hypoparathyroidism or hypophosphatemia may be greater than those resulting from administration of vitamin D analogs. Large doses of vitamin D analogs should not be administered to nursing women.

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