About Vitamin E 400 mg Capsule
Vitamin E 400 mg Capsule contains Tocopheryl Acetate 400 mg. Vitamin E (tocopheryl acetate) is a fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant. This supplement is used to treat or prevent vitamin E deficiency, which can happen in people who cannot absorb fat properly, and in other situations where a doctor advises extra vitamin E. Most healthy people get enough vitamin E from food.
Uses of Vitamin E 400 mg Capsule
- Vitamin E deficiency
- Low vitamin E due to poor fat absorption (for example in some liver, pancreas or gut conditions)
- As a supplement when advised by the doctor
Benefits
In vitamin E deficiency
It helps restore normal vitamin E levels. Vitamin E protects cells from damage and is needed for healthy nerves and muscles.
Side effects
Side effects are uncommon at usual doses and are more likely with high doses. Talk to your doctor if any bother you.
Common
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach cramps
- Tiredness or weakness
- Headache
Get medical help if you notice
- Unusual bleeding or bruising, especially if you take blood thinners — contact your doctor
- Allergic reaction: rash, swelling of the face or throat — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor advised, with a meal. Swallow the capsule whole with water. Do not take more than the recommended amount.
How it works
Vitamin E is an antioxidant. It protects the fats in cell walls from damage by unstable molecules called free radicals.
Safety advice
Alcohol Safe
No interaction known.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
Use high-dose vitamin E only if your doctor advises it.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
Ask your doctor before taking high-dose vitamin E while breastfeeding.
Driving Safe
It is not expected to affect your ability to drive.
Kidney Consult your doctor
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.
Liver Consult your doctor
Tell your doctor if you have liver disease.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Take it with food, as fat helps the body absorb vitamin E.
- Tell your doctor if you take blood thinners, as high doses may increase bleeding.
- Stop taking it a short time before planned surgery if your doctor advises.
- A balanced diet with nuts, seeds and vegetable oils provides vitamin E naturally.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Tocopherol (fat-soluble vitamin)
- Therapeutic class
- Vitamins and minerals
- Action class
- Antioxidant vitamin supplement
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Not required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Warfarin and other blood thinners | High doses of vitamin E may increase the risk of bleeding |
| Antiplatelet medicines such as aspirin or clopidogrel | May add to the risk of bleeding |
| Orlistat and cholestyramine | Can reduce absorption of vitamin E; take at different times |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Tocopheryl acetate capsules prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: vitamin E fact sheet for health professionals). Pharmacist review pending.