vitamin E topical

Vitamin E is an important micronutrient with antioxidant properties and is essential for good health. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and is used as a topical emollient to moisturize and soothe skin that is irritated or chafed from diaper use or other minor skin irritations.

Vitamin E topical is available over the counter (OTC) in the form of oils, creams, and ointments. Vitamin E protects the skin cells from damage caused by exposure to sunlight.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals (reactive oxygen species) and unstable molecules that result from normal cellular activity, which can damage tissue. Vitamin E also protects fatty molecules (phospholipids) on the cellular membranes from being damaged by free radicals and protects the membrane integrity. In addition, vitamin E protects red blood cells from destruction (hemolysis), and prevents oxidation of vitamins A and C.

Uses of vitamin E topical include:

• Healing of scar and surgical-wound tissue
• Moisturization and healing of skin
• Prevention of premature aging of the skin
• Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles

Warnings

• Do not use vitamin E topical if you are hypersensitive to any of the components in the formulation.
• Contact your physician if your condition worsens or doesn’t improve after the use of vitamin E topical for one week.

Common side effects of vitamin E topical include:

• Redness (erythema)
• Irritation
• Stinging
• Burning

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:

• Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
• Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
• Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Cream

• 30,000 units/57 g
• 1000 units/120 g
• 100 units/g
• 30 units/g

Ointment

• 30 units/g

Oil

• 28,000 units/30 mL

Adult:

Dermatologic Pain/Irritation

• Apply topically to affected areas as needed

Pediatric:

Diaper Rash/Dermatologic Pain/Irritation

• Apply topically to affected areas as needed

Overdose

• Topical use of vitamin E is unlikely to result in overdose. Oral overdose of vitamin E can cause muscle weakness, fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea, and increase the risk for bleeding. Symptoms should resolve on their own, and bleeding may be treated with vitamin K, if necessary.

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

• Vitamin E topical has no listed severe, serious, moderate, or mild interactions with other drugs.

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions about the medication.

• Use vitamin E topical during pregnancy only if maternal benefits outweigh potential fetal risks.
• It is not known if use of topical vitamin E results in presence in breast milk.
• Check with your healthcare provider before using vitamin E topical if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Vitamin E topical is for external topical use only.
• Apply vitamin E topical exactly as per label directions.
• Avoid contact with eyes.
• Do not orally ingest vitamin E topical.
• Store vitamin E topical safely out of reach of children.
• In case of oral ingestion and overdose, seek medical help or contact Poison Control.