Biotin
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is used to treat biotin deficiency. It is also used for hair loss.
Biotin Overview
Biotin is a vitamin of the B complex group. It is also known as vitamin B7.
Biotin is used most often for treatment or prevention of biotin deficiency.
Biotin is thought to work by maintaining or replenishing the body’s biotin supply.
Biotin Cautionary Labels
Uses
Biotin is used most often for treatment or prevention of biotin deficiency in:
- Those receiving parenteral nutrition
- Patients with malnutrition
- Those with prolonged consumption of raw egg whites
Biotin has also been used for the treatment of acne, seborrheic eczema, or hair loss.
Biotin has not been proven effective for all of the uses listed above. Biotin may be used for other conditions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information
Side Effects of Biotin
No significant side effects have been reported.
Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
Biotin Interactions
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take:
- Carbamazepine
- Phenytoin
- Phenobarbital
- Primidone
Consuming large amounts of raw egg whites has been found to cause biotin deficiency.
This is not a complete list of Biotin drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Biotin Precautions
Special precautions & warnings:
- If you are currently taking certain anti-seizure medications such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, or phenobarbital, your body may have increased biotin needs.
- Prolonged consumption of raw egg whites may increase biotin needs.
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using biotin if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or trying to become pregnant.
