Drug Class: Vitamins
Active Ingredient: Biotin
Generic Name: Biotin
Brand Name: Marketed under multiple brand names internationally (e.g., Nature Made®, Solgar®, NOW®, Blackmores®)
Company: Manufactured by multiple international pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies
Dosage Form:
Tablet, capsule, softgel, oral solution
Drug Form: Capsule
Tablet Description: Chemical description: Biotin is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin with the molecular formula C₁₀H₁₆N₂O₃S. Pharmacological description: Biotin acts as a coenzyme for carboxylase enzymes involved in fatty acid synthesis, gluconeogenesis, and amino acid metabolism. It supports normal hair, skin, nail integrity, and metabolic function.
What is biotin?
Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7, is a form of vitamin B found in foods. Biotin helps the body break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins into energy.
Biotin is likely effective in alternative medicine as an aid in treating or preventing low levels of biotin. Low levels of biotin can be caused by malnutrition, rapid weight loss, long-term tube feeding, and other medical conditions.
Biotin has also been used to treat the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and seborrhea (in babies). However, research has shown that biotin may not be effective in treating these conditions.
Other uses not proven with research have included treating brittle nails, hair loss, diabetes, nerve pain, depression, and other conditions.
Biotin may also be used in combination with other vitamins in adults and children as a dietary supplement.
It is not certain whether biotin is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Biotin should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.
Biotin is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Biotin may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.
Biotin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Common side effects may include diarrhea or respiratory problems.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Warnings
Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use this product if you are allergic to biotin.
Before using biotin, talk to your healthcare provider. Your dose needs may be different if you:
- have a deficiency of the enzyme called biotinidase;
- smoke; or
- kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).
Ask a doctor before using this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.
How should I take biotin?
When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.
If you choose to use biotin, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.
Biotin is available in tablet, liquid, and capsule formulations. Do not use different formulations of biotin at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of biotin.
Do not swallow the orally disintegrating tablet, or sublingual tablet. Allow the orally disintegrating tablet to dissolve in your mouth without chewing. The sublingual tablet should be placed under your tongue to allow it to dissolve.
Measure biotin liquid with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). Biotin may also be given through a feeding tube. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don’t understand these instructions.
Eating 2 or more raw egg whites for several months may prevent the body from absorbing biotin.
Biotin can cause cause false results on a drug-screening urine test. Tell the laboratory staff that you use biotin.
The recommended daily dose of biotin changes with age. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. You may also consult the Office of Dietary Supplements of the NIH, or the USDA Nutrient Database of recommended daily allowances for more information.
Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with biotin does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product.
