Pharmacologic Classification: water soluble vitamins
Indications⬆⬇
REMS
Treatment and prevention of riboflavin deficiency, which may be associated with poor nutritional status or chronic debilitating illnesses.
Action⬆⬇
Active metabolites serve as coenzymes for metabolic reactions involving transfer of hydrogen ions, including tissue respiration.
Necessary for normal RBC function.
Therapeutic effects:
Replacement in or prevention of deficiency.
Pharmacokinetics⬆⬇
Absorption: Well absorbed from the upper GI tract by an active transport process.
Distribution: Widely distributed. Crosses the placenta and enters breast milk.
Metabolism/Excretion: Converted to flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), which are the active coenzymes. Amounts in excess of requirements are excreted unchanged by the kidneys.
Half-Life: 66–84 min.
Time/Action Profile⬆⬇
ROUTE
ONSET
PEAK
DURATION
PO
unknown
unknown
unknown
Contraind./Precautions⬆⬇
Contraindicated in:
No known contraindications.
Use Cautiously in:
No known precautions.
Adv. Reactions/Side Effects⬆⬇
GU: yellow discoloration of urine (large doses only)
Assess patient for signs of vitamin B2 deficiency (dermatoses, stomatitis, ocular inflammation and irritation, photophobia, cheilosis) prior to and periodically throughout therapy.
Lab Test Considerations:
May cause false elevations in urobilinogen and urinary catecholamine measurements.
Implementation⬆⬇
Do not confuse riboflavin with ribavirin.
Because of infrequency of single B-vitamin deficiencies, combinations are commonly administered.
Patient/Family Teaching⬆⬇
Instruct patient to take as directed. If a dose is missed, it may be omitted, because an extended period of time is required to become deficient in riboflavin.
Encourage patient to comply with diet recommendations of health care professional. Explain that the best source of vitamins is a well-balanced diet with foods from the four basic food groups. Foods high in riboflavin include dairy products; enriched flour; nuts; meats; fish; and green, leafy vegetables; little is lost during cooking.
Patients self-medicating with vitamin supplements should be cautioned not to exceed RDA. The effectiveness of megadoses for treatment of various medical conditions is unproved and may cause side effects.
Advise patient to avoid alcoholic beverages; alcohol impairs the absorption of riboflavin.
Explain to patient that a medically insignificant increase in yellow coloration of urine may occur.
Emphasize the importance of follow-up exams to evaluate progress.
Evaluation/Desired Outcomes⬆⬇
Prevention of or decrease in the symptoms of riboflavin deficiency.
