PO
For severe vitamin A deficiency w/ corneal changes: 500,000 u/day for 3 days, followed by 50,000 u/day for 2 wk and then 10,000-20,000 u/day for 2 mth as follow-up therapy. For cases w/o corneal changes: 10,000-25,000 u/day until clinical improvement occurs (usually 1-2 wk).

IM - Patients w/ biliary cirrhosis or chronic cholestatic disease 100,000 u 2-4 mthly.
Topical - acne; psoriasis - as cream/oint: apply as directed.

Adverse drug reactions: hypervitaminosis A characterized by fatigue, irritability, anorexia, weight loss, vomiting and other GI disturbances, low-grade fever, hepatosplenomegaly, skin changes, alopecia, dry hair, cracking and bleeding lips, SC swelling, nocturia, pains in bones and joints.

Adapted from CIMS Drug Information System. Internet. Accessed on January 10, 2016.