Biotin

Drug Overview

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or H, is a water-soluble member of the B-vitamin complex and an essential coenzyme in the human metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. This medication is primarily used to treat biotin deficiency and symptoms caused by nutritional deficiencies such as dry skin, hair loss, and mucosal inflammation. Additionally, biotin is used to support patients with metabolic disorders, such as congenital metabolic defects. As a water-soluble vitamin, excess amounts are not easily accumulated, but it should be used under medical supervision to avoid unnecessary risks.

Biotin is classified as a nutritional supplement in medicine, usually administered orally in capsule or tablet form. Its chemical name is 3-oxo-butanoic acid, with a molecular formula of C₁₀H₁₆O₃S. Clinically, it can be used alone or in combination with other vitamins to improve physiological functions affected by specific nutritional deficiencies.

Brand Names and Scientific Names

The scientific name of biotin is "Biotin." Common product names include:

• "Biotin 1000" (1000μg tablets)
• "VitaB7 Complex" (multivitamin B7 formulation)

Different brands may contain additional ingredients such as collagen or minerals, with specific dosages adjusted according to manufacturer instructions.

In terms of drug classification, biotin is also called "Vitamin B7" and participates in energy metabolism alongside other B-vitamins such as B1 and B12. Its drug code in pharmacopoeias is listed as "Biotinum," and the international non-proprietary name is "Biotin."

Drug Classification

Biotin belongs to the water-soluble vitamin category, classified under the B-complex vitamins. According to drug classification systems, it is categorized as a "metabolic adjunct" and "nutritional supplement," alongside folic acid, niacin, and other B-vitamins.

Pharmacologically, biotin participates in the activity of carboxylase systems, promoting fatty acid synthesis, gluconeogenesis, and amino acid metabolism. This characteristic makes it particularly valuable in treating lipid metabolism disorders or congenital metabolic defects.

Indications

Main indications include:

• Nutritional deficiency caused by impaired biotin absorption
• Congenital biotin metabolism disorders (such as biotin-dependent carboxylase deficiency)
• Dermatitis, hair loss, and mucosal lesions caused by long-term unbalanced diet

Application in special populations:

• Nutritional supplementation during pregnancy or lactation
• Patients receiving long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN)
• Metabolic recovery after chemotherapy or radiotherapy

It should be noted that there is insufficient evidence to support the efficacy of this medication for symptom-related hair loss (such as stress-induced hair loss).

Common Side Effects

Mild side effects:

• Gastrointestinal discomfort: nausea, diarrhea, or heartburn may occur
• Allergic reactions: a small number of people may develop skin rashes or itching
• Digestive intolerance: taking on an empty stomach may exacerbate stomach discomfort

Severe side effects requiring immediate discontinuation and medical attention:

• Acute allergic reactions: such as difficulty breathing, facial swelling
• Hepatic dysfunction: elevated transaminases after prolonged high-dose use
• Metabolic disturbances: overdose of other B-vitamins may cause neurological symptoms

Warnings and Precautions

Contraindications: Do not use in individuals allergic to biotin or excipients in tablets. Patients with severe hepatic or renal impairment should have dosage adjustments due to potential impacts on metabolic pathways.

During pregnancy and lactation:

• The FDA classifies it as Pregnancy Category C; use only when deemed necessary by a physician
• Safe for use during breastfeeding but should not exceed 300μg daily

Drug Interactions

Potential interactions with the following medications:

• Anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine): may accelerate biotin metabolism, reducing blood levels
• Antibiotics (e.g., tetracyclines): may interfere with intestinal absorption; take separately
• Chemotherapy drugs: may affect efficacy when combined with certain metabolic inhibitors

Interactions with dietary supplements:

• Concurrent use with vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) may compete for absorption in the intestine
• High doses of calcium or iron supplements may reduce biotin absorption

Always inform your healthcare provider of all nutritional supplements being used before treatment.

Dosage and Administration

General adult dosages:

• Preventive supplementation: 30-100μg daily
• Treatment of deficiency: 10-15mg daily (10,000-15,000μg)

Adjustments should be made under medical guidance; do not increase the dose arbitrarily.

Method of administration:

• Recommended to take with meals to enhance absorption
• Tablets should be taken with 200c.c. of warm water; do not chew or dissolve before swallowing
• Child dosages should be calculated based on body weight, typically one-third to one-half of the adult dose

Handling Missed Doses

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered. If less than 4 hours remain before the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double doses to compensate for missed ones to avoid overdose risk.

If multiple doses are missed consecutively, record the missed instances and inform your healthcare provider at your next visit. The healthcare provider may reassess the medication plan. Do not increase the dose without medical approval.

Overdose Management

Acute overdose symptoms may include dizziness, nausea, and skin flushing. If more than 100mg (100,000μg) is accidentally taken, seek immediate medical attention and perform:

• Induction of vomiting (within 1 hour)
• Oral activated charcoal to adsorb unabsorbed medication

Chronic overdose may lead to metabolic disturbances, requiring:

• Blood biochemical monitoring
• Adjustment or cessation of medication
• If neurological symptoms such as numbness or tingling occur, seek emergency care immediately

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a specific dietary timing recommended when taking biotin?

Biotin can be taken with or without meals, but if gastrointestinal discomfort occurs, it is recommended to take it with food to reduce stomach irritation. Avoid taking it simultaneously with iron supplements or antibiotics; at least a 2-hour interval is advised to ensure absorption efficiency.

Which common medications may interact with biotin?

Biotin may interact with antibiotics (such as tetracyclines), thyroid medications, or certain anticonvulsants, affecting absorption. If you are taking these medications, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for proper timing to avoid reduced efficacy.

Does long-term use of biotin cause liver or kidney dysfunction?

Current studies indicate that normal doses of biotin have minimal impact on liver and kidney function, but overdose may cause non-toxic hepatitis. If used long-term at doses exceeding 3000 micrograms/day, liver function tests should be performed every 6 months, and blood biochemical indices should be regularly monitored.

What skin-related side effects may biotin cause?

A small number of patients may experience rash, itching, or dryness, usually related to individual allergic tendencies. Severe allergic reactions such as blisters or redness require immediate discontinuation and medical attention. The healthcare provider may adjust the dose or switch to alternative treatments.

Is biotin safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnant and breastfeeding women can use biotin under medical evaluation, with a recommended dose not exceeding 30 micrograms per day. Excessive intake may increase the risk of metabolic abnormalities in the fetus. Always inform your healthcare provider of your pregnancy status and regularly monitor fetal development.