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
  • epsilon-carotene-3
  • e-lutein
  • luteina
  • xanthophyll
  • zeaxanthin

Ther. Class.

ocular agents

Common Uses

None.

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 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

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
POUnknownUnknownUnknown

Contraindication/Precautions

Contraindicated in:

  • Hypersensitivity.

Use Cautiously in:

  • Cystic fibrosis;
  • Pregnancy and lactation.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Derm: carotendermia

* CAPITALS indicate life-threatening.
Underline indicate most frequent.

Interactions

Natural Drug Interaction

There are no known natural-drug interactions. Advise patients to speak to medical practitioners before starting any new supplement if they are on medication.

Natural-Natural:

Taking with  beta-carotene or  Vitamin E  may reduce the absorptions of these vitamins.

Route/Dosage

PO (Adults): 10–20 mg/day.

Availability

Capules: OTC

Tablets: OTC

Assessment

  • Instruct patients to have yearly ophthalmic examinations.

Implementation

  • PO Orally as a capsule or tablets as a single daily dose.

Patient/Family Teaching

Advise patient to take as directed.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

Decreased risk of macular degeneration or cataracts.