Alpha Tocopherol
Alpha Tocopherol is a form of vitamin E that functions to overcome symptoms that arise due to a lack of vitamin E in the body. Alpha Tocopherol works to improve the immune system and helps prevent the formation of blood clots. This drug can also help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals (highly reactive chemicals).
Drug Trade Names: Arsinal, Bio Ato, Mitravon, Multivitaplex, Cernevit, Naturol, Dalfarol, Neuro Atp, Elevit Pronatal, Neurotrovit E, Enerplus, Prima Fit E, Enico, Pro Atp, Fatigon, Theragran-M, Forneuro, Vitalipid-N Adult, Megazing, Vitalipid-N Infant.
Benefits of Alpha Tocopherol
There are many benefits contained in Alpha Tocopherol such as improving skin health and appearance, improving brain function, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, and improving vision. In addition, Alpha Tocopherol is also used in cosmetic products and body products for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and healing-accelerating effects.
In Alzheimer’s sufferers, consuming Alpha Tocopherol can slow memory loss. For women, Alpha Tocopherol can be used during menstruation because it can help reduce pain and reduce anxiety, depression, and cravings during PMS. Meanwhile, giving Alpha Tocopherol to premature babies by mouth can reduce the risk of bleeding into the brain.
Alpha Tocopherol Dosage
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the average recommended dose for consuming Alpha Tocopherol is as follows:
- Infants aged 0-6 months: 4mg
- Infants aged 7-12 months: 5mg
- Toddlers aged 1-3 years: 6mg
- Children aged 4-8 years: 7mg
- Children aged 9-13 years: 11mg
- Adolescents aged 14-18 years: 15 mg
- Adults: 15 mg
- Pregnant women: 15 mg
- Nursing mothers: 19 mg
How to Use Alpha Tocopherol
There are several things you need to pay attention to regarding the use of this drug, namely:
- Read the instructions on the medicine packaging before using it.
- Follow the doctor’s advice.
- Consume with food, because absorption of vitamin E in the body requires fat from food.
- Do not increase, or decrease the dose, or extend the duration of use of the drug without the doctor’s permission.
- This drug will cause side effects if used long-term.
- Use regularly at the same time every day.
- Do not stop using Alpha Tocopherol without consulting your doctor.
- Store at room temperature.
- Keep away from direct sunlight and damp places.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Do not refrigerate or freeze.
Things to Consider When Using Alpha Tocopherol
Before taking this medication, you should first discuss your previous medical history with your doctor, especially if you have a number of conditions such as:
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. Ask about the benefits and risks of using the medication in pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including vitamins, supplements, and herbal products.
- This drug can reduce concentration levels, therefore, avoid activities that require high focus after taking the drug.
- Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Medication discarded in this manner may contaminate the environment.
- Supplements are used to complement the body’s nutritional needs, not as a substitute for nutrients from food.
Alpha Tocopherol Side Effects
The side effects of using the drug will depend on the condition of each user. In users of Alfa Tocopherol, the side effects that may appear include:
Alpha Tocopherol Interactions
Alpha Tocopherol will cause a number of interactions when consumed together with the following types of drugs:
- If consumed together with cholestyramine and orlistat, the absorption of vitamin E in the body will be disrupted.
- If taken together with warfarin, the risk of bleeding will be higher.
- If consumed together with iron supplements or multivitamins, it will reduce the effectiveness of the supplement itself.
Contraindications of Alpha Tocopherol
Alpha Tocopherol should not be used in people with the following health conditions:
- Active smoker.
- People with mental impairment.
- People with eye damage.
- People with heart disease.
- People with Alzheimer’s disease.
- People with diabetes.
- People with skin diseases.
- People with vitamin K deficiency.
- People with blood clotting disorders.
- People with hypersensitivity to Alpha Tocopherol content.