dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate at a glance
Class
Fat-soluble vitamin and lipid-phase antioxidant
Licensed role
Correcting vitamin E deficiency associated with specified malabsorption disorders
Monitoring
Vitamin E blood levels may guide treatment, particularly in cholestasis and cystic fibrosis
What is dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate used for?
The selected oral suspension is licensed to correct vitamin E deficiency arising from impaired absorption.
Deficiency associated with cystic fibrosis
Deficiency associated with chronic cholestasis
Deficiency associated with abetalipoproteinaemia
How does dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate work?
After absorption, the acetate form supplies alpha-tocopherol. Vitamin E helps interrupt oxidative chain reactions and protects cell-membrane components from oxidation.
dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate preparations and strengths
Oral suspension
Route: Oral
Strengths: 100 mg/mL
How to take dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate
Take the suspension by mouth exactly as directed on the label or by the prescriber. Use the supplied measuring device or an appropriate oral syringe rather than a household spoon.
If a pharmacist has diluted the suspension, follow the new measurement instructions carefully.
Use diluted suspension immediately; do not store it.
Discard unused suspension according to the label after opening.
dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Diarrhoea; frequency is not stated
- Abdominal pain or stomach upset; frequency is not stated
Get urgent medical advice
- Sudden facial or throat swelling or difficulty breathing
- Severe, unexplained or recurrent bleeding, especially during anticoagulant treatment
dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate in pregnancy
The selected suspension is advised against during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, because the safety of high exposure has not been established. Discuss prescribed treatment with the specialist or maternity team.
dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate while breastfeeding
The selected suspension is advised against while breastfeeding because information about passage into breast milk is unavailable. The prescriber should assess the need for treatment and available alternatives.
dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate interactions
Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about medicines and supplements because vitamin E may affect bleeding, absorption or treatment response.
Anticoagulants, including warfarin
Vitamin E may increase bleeding risk, so clotting tests and anticoagulant treatment may need review.
Colestyramine
May reduce vitamin E absorption; blood levels may need monitoring in cholestasis.
Oestrogens, including combined oral contraceptives
A possible increased thrombosis risk has been reported but not confirmed; individual risk factors should be considered.
Common questions about dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is this the same as vitamin E?
It is a synthetic ester form of vitamin E that supplies alpha-tocopherol after processing in the body.
Is it licensed as a general dietary supplement?
The selected suspension is licensed specifically for deficiency associated with cystic fibrosis, chronic cholestasis or abetalipoproteinaemia, not routine supplementation.
Why are blood tests needed?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.