lutein

Therapeutic Classification: ocular agents

Indications ⬆ ⬇

Complementary/Alternative Medicine: This monograph describes a natural or herbal product that is not subject to FDA guidelines for medicines. Patients and clinicians are advised to read package labels carefully to ensure safe and efficacious use.

REMS

Age-related macular degeneration.
Cataracts.
Prevention of vision loss or eye disease.

Action ⬆ ⬇

Lutein is a pigment called carotenoid and is one of two major carotenoids found in the human eye. It functions as a light filter, protecting the tissue from sun damage.

Therapeutic effects:

Decreased risk for development of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Unknown.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Unknown.

Half-Life: Unknown.

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇

Contraindicated in:

Hypersensitivity to lutein.

Use Cautiously in:

Cystic fibrosis;
OB: Safety not established in pregnancy;
Lactation: Safety not established in breastfeeding;
Pedi: Safety and effectiveness not established in children.

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

Derm: carotendermia

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Natural-Drug Products:

Unknown.

Natural-Natural Products:

May ↓ absorption of beta carotene and vitamin E.

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

PO (Adults ): 10–20 mg/day.

Availability ⬆ ⬇

Softgel Capsules: ^OTC
Tablets: ^OTC
Gummies: ^OTC
Powder: ^OTC

Assessment ⬆ ⬇

Assess skin for carotenodermia (yellow tint to skin). Reversible once discontinued.

Implementation ⬆ ⬇

PO: Administer with fat-containing foods to help with absorption.

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Explain purpose and side effects of herb to patient.
Advise patient to consult with health care provider before using any herbal supplement, especially when taken concurrently with Rx or OTC medications or vitamins.
Advise patient to consult with an ophthalmologist for optimal eye evaluation and care.
Rep: Advise women of reproductive potential to notify health care provider if pregnancy is planned or suspected or breastfeeding before using this herb.

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Pronunciation ⬇

Classifications ⬆ ⬇