Davis's Drug Guide
lutein
General
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.
Pronunciation:
loo-tee-in
Trade Name(s)
- carotenoid
- xanthophyll
- zeaxanthin
Ther. Class.
antioxidants
ocular agents
Common Uses
- Prevention of lutein deficiency.
- Prevention of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and retinitis pigmentosa.
Action
Lutein is a carotenoid with antioxidant properties that protect underlying ocular tissues from photodamage.
Therapeutic Effect(s):
Decreased risk of development of AMD and cataracts.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Unknown.
Distribution: Unknown.
Metabolism and Excretion: Unknown.
Half-life: Unknown.
TIME/ACTION PROFILE
| ROUTE | ONSET | PEAK | DURATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| PO | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
Contraindication/Precautions
Contraindicated in:
- Hypersensitivity.
Use Cautiously in:
Cystic fibrosis (decreased lutein absorption).
Adverse Reactions/Side Effects
CV: DISEASE
Endo: carotendermia
* CAPITALS indicate life-threatening.
Underline indicate most frequent.
Interactions
Natural Drug Interaction
- Orlistat may cause ↓ lutein absorption.
- Alcohol (↓ plasma lutein), cholestyramine and colestipol (↓ lutein absorption), CYP450-metabolized agents (alters enzyme activity), mineral oil (↓ lutein absorption), nicotine ↓ plasma lutein), retinol (↑ plasma lutein), may interact with agents with similar effects or related mechanisms of action ( antidiabetic, antilipemic, antioxidant, antineoplastic ), ↓ vitamin E levels.
Natural-Natural:
Concomitant administration with beta-carotene may reduce bioavailability of lutein.
Route/Dosage
PO (Adults): 6–20 mg/day.
Availability
Softgels: 6 mg, 20 mg
Assessment
- Obtain ophthalmic examinations at least yearly during therapy.
Potential Diagnoses
- Deficient knowledge, related to medication regimen (Patient/Family/Teaching)
Implementation
- PO Administer capsules once daily.
Patient/Family Teaching
- Instruct patient to take as directed.
- Instruct patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult with health care professional before taking other medications.
- Advise female patient to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.
Evaluation/Desired Outcomes
Decrease in risk or cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
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