Biotin
About
Biotin belongs to the class of water-soluble vitamins that are a part of the vitamin B family. Primarily used to treat uncontrolled hair fall. It also plays an important role in your skin and nail health. Hair loss (alopecia) can affect your scalp or entire body, and it can be temporary or permanent. It can result from heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of ageing. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it's more common in men. Mostly it occurs when the body does not absorb or get enough nutrients from food.
Biotin contains Biotin. It plays a crucial role in healthy hair growth and loss prevention by increasing keratin levels in our bodies. Keratin is an essential protein that makes up your hair, skin and nails. Thus Biotin improves the hair structure, and hair colour strengthens the hair and increases the hair's resistance to mechanical and chemical damage. It also helps to reduce brittleness and supports nails, and promotes glowing and healthy skin.
You are advised to take Biotin as recommended it. Sometimes, you may experience common side effects such as nausea, cramping and diarrhoea. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Do not consume Biotin if you are allergic to any components present in it. Consult your doctor before taking Biotin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Biotin should not be given to children unless recommended by a doctor. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Biotin. Biotin is used with caution in dialysis patients and bleeding disorders before and during surgeries.
Uses of Biotin
Medicinal Benefits
Biotin contains Biotin. It plays a crucial role in healthy hair growth and hair loss prevention by increasing keratin levels in our bodies. Keratin is an essential protein that makes up your hair, skin, and nails. Thus Biotin improves the hair structure, and hair colour strengthens the hair and increases the hair's resistance to mechanical and chemical damage. It also helps to reduce brittleness and strengthens nails, and promotes glowing and healthy skin.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Biotin
- Nausea
- Cramping
- Diarrhoea
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Biotin if you're allergic to any ingredient in it. Consult your doctor before taking Biotin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Biotin should not be given to children unless recommended by a doctor. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Biotin. Biotin is used with caution in dialysis patients, bleeding disorders, before and during surgeries, anaemia, liver diseases, and malabsorption (A condition that prevents absorption of nutrients).
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Biotin may interact with a medication used to treat bipolar disorder (carbamazepine), and medications used to treat seizures (phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid consuming alcohol and alcoholic beverages along with Biotin.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Biotin may interact with malabsorption, dialysis, kidney, liver problems and bleeding disorders. Please inform your doctor before taking the Biotin.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Biotin. However, as a precautionary measure, it is advisable not to take or limit alcohol.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Biotin if you are pregnant or have any concerns regarding the Biotin. Your doctor will advise only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult your doctor before taking Biotin, and your doctor will decide whether Biotin can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionBiotin may cause dizziness occasionally, affecting your ability to drive. Drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Biotin if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Biotin if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionBiotin should be used with caution in children. Please consult your doctor before taking Biotin because your doctor's dose adjustments were made based on the children's height and weight.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Follow a well-balanced diet.
- Exercising regularly helps in improving overall health.
- Rest well, get plenty of sleep.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Meditation and yoga can help lower stress.
- Avoid processed and fried food.
- Take green leafy vegetables, blueberries, mushrooms into your regular diet
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hair loss: Hair loss (alopecia) can affect your scalp or entire body, and it can be temporary or permanent. It can result from heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of ageing. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it's more common in men. Mostly it occurs when the body does not absorb or get enough nutrients from food.
FAQs
Biotin contains Biotin. It plays a crucial role in healthy hair growth and hair loss prevention by increasing keratin levels in our body. Keratin is an essential protein that makes up your hair, skin, and nails healthy. Thus Biotin improves the hair structure, hair colour, strengthens the hair and increases the hair's resistance to mechanical and chemical damage.
Biotin causes common side effects like nausea, cramping, diarrhoea. Most of these side-effects do not require any medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Though it is an OTC medication, it should only be used as the healthcare professional recommends.
No, it should be taken only if the doctor recommends it based on the medical condition.