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 insufficiency such as dry skin, hair loss, and mucositis. 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 vitamin complexes to improve physiological functions affected by specific nutritional deficiencies.

Brand Names and Scientific Name

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

• "Biotin 1000" (1000 μg 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 pharmacopoeia 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 an "Metabolic Auxiliary" and "Nutritional Supplement," sharing the same group as 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 gives it particular clinical value 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

Use in special populations:

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

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

Common Side Effects

Mild side effects include:

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

Severe side effects require 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 the tablets. Patients with severe liver or kidney dysfunction should adjust the dose, as metabolic pathways may be affected.

During pregnancy and lactation:

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies it as Pregnancy Category C; use only when deemed necessary by a physician
• Safe during breastfeeding, but avoid doses exceeding 300 μg per day

Drug Interactions

Potential interactions with the following drugs include:

• Antiepileptic drugs (such as phenytoin, carbamazepine): may accelerate biotin metabolism, reducing blood levels
• Antibiotics (such as tetracyclines): may interfere with intestinal absorption, recommend separate dosing times
• Chemotherapy drugs: may affect efficacy when combined with certain metabolic pathway inhibitors

Interactions with dietary supplements:

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

Always inform your healthcare provider of all supplements being taken before use.

Dosage and Administration

General adult doses:

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

Adjust under medical guidance; do not increase doses on your own.

Administration methods:

• Take with meals to enhance absorption
• Use tablets with 200 c.c. of warm water; do not chew or dissolve before swallowing
• Children's doses should be calculated based on weight, typically one-third to one-half of adult doses

Missed Dose Management

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

If multiple doses are missed consecutively, record the missed instances and inform your physician at the next visit. The physician may reassess the medication plan. Do not increase single doses without medical advice.

Overdose Management

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

• Inducing vomiting (within 1 hour of ingestion)
• Administering activated charcoal to adsorb unabsorbed medication

Chronic overdose may lead to metabolic disturbances, requiring:

• Blood biochemical monitoring
• Adjusting dosage or discontinuing medication
• If neurological symptoms such as numbness or tingling occur, seek emergency care immediately

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary to take biotin with specific meal timings?

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

Which common medications may interact with biotin?

Biotin may interact with antibiotics (such as tetracyclines), thyroid medications, or certain antiepileptic drugs, affecting absorption. If you are taking these medications, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist to confirm proper dosing intervals and 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-viral hepatitis. If taking more than 3000 micrograms per day long-term, it is recommended to have liver function tests every 6 months and regularly monitor blood biochemical indices.

What skin-related side effects may biotin cause?

A small number of patients may experience rash, itching, or dryness, usually related to individual allergic sensitivity. If severe allergic reactions such as blisters or redness occur, discontinue medication immediately and seek medical attention. The physician may adjust the dose or switch to other treatments.

Can pregnant or breastfeeding women safely use biotin?

Pregnant and lactating women can use biotin after 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 pregnancy status and regularly monitor fetal development.