Vitamin E (400mg) is a high-dose formulation of the fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin, primarily as alpha-tocopherol. It is used for therapeutic supplementation in conditions of deficiency or increased oxidative stress. In the Indian context, it is widely used for neurological, dermatological, and reproductive health indications, often as an adjunct therapy.
Adult: Therapeutic dose: 200-400 mg (300-600 IU) once daily. For specific conditions like neuropathy or infertility, 400 mg daily is common. Take with a meal containing fat for optimal absorption.
Note: Administer orally, once daily, preferably after a main meal containing dietary fat (e.g., milk, nuts, oil). Swallow the softgel/capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew. For patients with swallowing difficulties, the softgel can be punctured and contents mixed with cold food (e.g., yogurt).
Vitamin E's primary mechanism is as a chain-breaking antioxidant. It donates a phenolic hydrogen to lipid peroxyl radicals (LOO•) generated during lipid peroxidation in cell membranes and lipoproteins, neutralizing them and preventing propagation of oxidative damage. This protects polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and maintains membrane integrity.
Pregnancy: Category A (adequate intake from diet). Category C when used in doses above Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). 400mg is above RDA (15 mg/day). Use only if potential benefit justifies potential risk to the fetus. High doses may be teratogenic in animal studies. Avoid in late pregnancy due to bleeding risk.
Driving: No known effects. However, if blurred vision or dizziness occurs as a side effect, avoid driving.
| Warfarin, Acenocoumarol | Vitamin E potentiates anticoagulant effect, increasing INR and bleeding risk. | Major |
| Aspirin, Clopidogrel, NSAIDs | Additive antiplatelet effect, increased bleeding tendency. | Moderate |
| Orlistat, Olestra | Reduces absorption of fat-soluble vitamins including Vitamin E. | Moderate |
| Cholestyramine, Colestipol | Bile acid sequestrants reduce absorption of Vitamin E. | Moderate |
| Anticonvulsants (Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Carbamazepine) | May lower serum Vitamin E levels by inducing CYP450 metabolism. | Moderate |
| Cyclosporine | Vitamin E may increase absorption and blood levels of Cyclosporine, requiring monitoring. | Moderate |
| Iron Supplements (Ferrous sulfate) | High-dose Vitamin E may exacerbate oxidative effects of iron in deficiency states. Administer at least 2 hours apart. | Minor |
Same composition (Vitamin E (400mg)), different brands: