biotin (OTC)

Brand and Other Names:Meribin, coenzyme R

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

capsule

  • 5mg
  • 10mg

tablet

  • 1mg
  • 5mg
  • 10mg

RDA

Adequate intake: 30 mcg/day

Lactation: 35 mcg/day

Other Indications & Uses

Biotin deficiency (extremely rare), brittle fingernails, diabetes, alopecia

Dosage Forms & Strengths

capsule

  • 5mg
  • 10mg

tablet

  • 1mg
  • 5mg
  • 10mg

RDA

Infants (0-1 year old): 5-6 mcg/day

Children (1-9 years old): 8-12 mcg/day

Adolsescents (9-18 years old): 20-25 mcg/day

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Interactions

Interaction Checker

and biotin

No Results

     activity indicator 
    No Interactions Found
    Interactions Found

    Contraindicated

      Serious - Use Alternative

        Significant - Monitor Closely

          Minor

            All Interactions Sort By:
             activity indicator 

            Contraindicated (0)

              Serious - Use Alternative (0)

                Monitor Closely (8)

                • azithromycin

                  azithromycin will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor.

                • ciprofloxacin

                  biotin will decrease the level or effect of ciprofloxacin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Administer ciprofloxacin 4 hours before or 2 hours after biotin.

                • clarithromycin

                  clarithromycin will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor.

                • erythromycin base

                  erythromycin base will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor.

                • erythromycin ethylsuccinate

                  erythromycin ethylsuccinate will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor.

                • erythromycin lactobionate

                  erythromycin lactobionate will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor.

                • erythromycin stearate

                  erythromycin stearate will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor.

                • roxithromycin

                  roxithromycin will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor.

                Minor (67)

                • acetazolamide

                  acetazolamide decreases levels of biotin by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Biotin supplementation may be necessary.

                • amikacin

                  amikacin will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • aztreonam

                  aztreonam will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • carbamazepine

                  carbamazepine decreases levels of biotin by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Biotin supplementation may be necessary.

                • cefadroxil

                  cefadroxil will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • cefamandole

                  cefamandole will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • cefazolin

                  cefazolin will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • cefpirome

                  cefpirome will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • cephalexin

                  cephalexin will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • chlorhexidine oral

                  chlorhexidine oral will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • clindamycin

                  clindamycin will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • clonazepam

                  clonazepam decreases levels of biotin by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Biotin supplementation may be necessary.

                • dapsone

                  dapsone will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • demeclocycline

                  demeclocycline will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • diazepam

                  diazepam decreases levels of biotin by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Biotin supplementation may be necessary.

                • doxycycline

                  doxycycline will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • ertapenem

                  ertapenem will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • eslicarbazepine acetate

                  eslicarbazepine acetate decreases levels of biotin by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Biotin supplementation may be necessary.

                • ethosuximide

                  ethosuximide decreases levels of biotin by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Biotin supplementation may be necessary.

                • felbamate

                  felbamate decreases levels of biotin by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Biotin supplementation may be necessary.

                • fleroxacin

                  fleroxacin will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • fosfomycin

                  fosfomycin will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • fosphenytoin

                  fosphenytoin decreases levels of biotin by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Biotin supplementation may be necessary.

                • gabapentin

                  gabapentin decreases levels of biotin by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Biotin supplementation may be necessary.

                • gabapentin enacarbil

                  gabapentin enacarbil decreases levels of biotin by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Biotin supplementation may be necessary.

                • gemifloxacin

                  gemifloxacin will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • gentamicin

                  gentamicin will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • lacosamide

                  lacosamide decreases levels of biotin by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Biotin supplementation may be necessary.

                • lamotrigine

                  lamotrigine decreases levels of biotin by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Biotin supplementation may be necessary.

                • levetiracetam

                  levetiracetam decreases levels of biotin by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Biotin supplementation may be necessary.

                • levofloxacin

                  levofloxacin will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • linezolid

                  linezolid will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • lorazepam

                  lorazepam decreases levels of biotin by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Biotin supplementation may be necessary.

                • meropenem

                  meropenem will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • meropenem/vaborbactam

                  meropenem/vaborbactam will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • methsuximide

                  methsuximide decreases levels of biotin by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Biotin supplementation may be necessary.

                • metronidazole

                  metronidazole will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • minocycline

                  minocycline will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • moxifloxacin

                  moxifloxacin will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • neomycin PO

                  neomycin PO will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • nitrofurantoin

                  nitrofurantoin will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • ofloxacin

                  ofloxacin will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • oxcarbazepine

                  oxcarbazepine decreases levels of biotin by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Biotin supplementation may be necessary.

                • oxytetracycline

                  oxytetracycline will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • paromomycin

                  paromomycin will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • phenobarbital

                  phenobarbital decreases levels of biotin by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Biotin supplementation may be necessary.

                • phenytoin

                  phenytoin decreases levels of biotin by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Biotin supplementation may be necessary.

                • pivmecillinam

                  pivmecillinam will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • primidone

                  primidone decreases levels of biotin by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Biotin supplementation may be necessary.

                • quinupristin/dalfopristin

                  quinupristin/dalfopristin will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • rufinamide

                  rufinamide decreases levels of biotin by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Biotin supplementation may be necessary.

                • streptomycin

                  streptomycin will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • sulfadiazine

                  sulfadiazine will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • sulfamethoxazole

                  sulfamethoxazole will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • sulfisoxazole

                  sulfisoxazole will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • teicoplanin

                  teicoplanin will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • temocillin

                  temocillin will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • tetracycline

                  tetracycline will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • tiagabine

                  tiagabine decreases levels of biotin by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Biotin supplementation may be necessary.

                • ticarcillin

                  ticarcillin will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • tigecycline

                  tigecycline will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • tobramycin

                  tobramycin will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • topiramate

                  topiramate decreases levels of biotin by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Biotin supplementation may be necessary.

                • trimethoprim

                  trimethoprim will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • valproic acid

                  valproic acid decreases levels of biotin by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Biotin supplementation may be necessary.

                • vancomycin

                  vancomycin will decrease the level or effect of biotin by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

                • zonisamide

                  zonisamide decreases levels of biotin by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Biotin supplementation may be necessary.

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                Adverse Effects

                Frequency Not Defined

                Generally safe

                Doses of 10 mg per day have been taken with no adverse effects

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                Warnings

                Cautions

                RDA values not requirements but recommended daily intakes of nutrients

                Eating too much raw egg white (contains avidin that binds biotin)

                Laboratory test results may be falsely high or low when biotin levels are higher than the recommended daily allowance; biotin is found in multivitamins, including prenatal multivitamins, biotin supplements, and supplements for hair, skin, and nail growth in levels that may interfere with laboratory tests

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                Pregnancy & Lactation

                Pregnancy Category: Not studied

                Lactation: Not studied

                Pregnancy Categories

                A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

                B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

                C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

                D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

                X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

                NA: Information not available.

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                Nutrition

                Sources: liver, legumes, tomatoes, soybeans, carrots

                Function: member of water-soluble vitamin family, serves as cofactor to several carboxylases

                Deficiency is extremely rare, may cause dermatitis, alopecia, perosis

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                Pharmacology

                Metabolism: liver

                Excretion: kidney

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                Images

                BRAND FORM. UNIT PRICE PILL IMAGE
                biotin oral
                -
                2,500 mcg chewable tablet
                biotin oral
                -
                2,500 mcg capsule
                biotin oral
                -
                1 mg tablet
                biotin oral
                -
                5 mg capsule
                biotin oral
                -
                1 mg tablet
                Mega Biotin oral
                -
                10,000 mcg capsule

                Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.

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                Patient Handout

                Patient Education
                biotin oral

                BIOTIN - ORAL

                (BYE-oh-tin)

                COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cyto B7, Hard Nails, Meribin, VB7 Max

                USES: Biotin (vitamin B7) is used to prevent or treat low levels of vitamin B7 in people who do not get enough of the vitamin from their diets. Most people who eat a normal diet do not need extra vitamin B7. However, some conditions (such as pregnancy, parenteral nutrition, rapid weight loss) can cause low levels of vitamin B7.

                HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as directed, usually once daily. Follow all directions on the product package. If your doctor has prescribed this product, take it as directed. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.If you are taking chewable tablets, chew the tablet well and swallow.If you are taking extended-release tablets, swallow them whole. Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split extended-release tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.If you are using the rapidly-dissolving tablet, allow the tablet to dissolve under the tongue and then swallow, with or without water.If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Some liquid products need to be shaken before each dose.If you are using the powder form of this medication, prepare the medication as directed by the product package.Take this vitamin regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.If your condition lasts or gets worse, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

                SIDE EFFECTS: This vitamin usually has no side effects. If you have any unusual effects, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

                PRECAUTIONS: Before taking biotin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to any of its ingredients; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Chewable tablets or liquid products may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid aspartame (or phenylalanine) in your diet, consult your doctor or pharmacist about using this drug safely.Liquid forms of this product may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).During pregnancy, this product should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if this product passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

                DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.This product may interfere with certain lab tests, possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this product.

                OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

                NOTES: Keep all regular medical and lab appointments.Remember that it is best to get your vitamins and minerals from food whenever possible. Eat a well-balanced diet, and follow any dietary guidelines as directed by your doctor. Foods rich in biotin include eggs and milk.

                MISSED DOSE: If you are taking this product on a regular schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

                STORAGE: Different brands of this vitamin have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

                Information last revised July 2021. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.

                IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

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                Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.