Consumer Information
Print | Save or Share
A-Z Drug Facts > Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

Riboflavin

( Vitamin B 2 ) Pronunciation: (RYE-boh-FLAY-vin)
Class: Water-soluble vitamin

Trade Names:
Riboflavin
- Tablets 50 mg
- Tablets 100 mg

Pharmacology

Is converted in body to coenzyme necessary in oxidation reduction. Also necessary in maintaining integrity of RBCs.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Absorbed from duodenum.

Distribution

Riboflavin and metabolites distributed into all body tissues and breast milk. Small amount stored in liver, spleen, kidneys, and heart. Protein binding is 60% (metabolites FAD and FMN).

Metabolism

Hepatic.

Elimination

Eliminated in urine (excreted mostly as metabolites), small amount in bile, feces, and sweat. T ½ is 66 to 84 min (oral or IM).

Indications and Usage

Prevention and treatment of riboflavin deficiency.

Contraindications

None well documented.

Dosage and Administration

Supplement
Adults

PO 1.4 to 1.8 mg (men), 1.2 to 1.3 mg (women), 1.6 to 1.8 mg (pregnant or lactating women).

Children

PO 0.8 to 1.2 mg/day.

Treatment of Deficiency
Adults

PO 5 to 10 mg/day.

Children

PO 2 to 10 mg/day.



Drug Interactions

None well documented.

Laboratory Test Interactions

Large doses produce bright-yellow urine, which may contain fluorescent substances and interfere with urinalysis based on spectrometry or color reactions.

Adverse Reactions

Genitourinary

Yellow-orange discoloration of urine.

Precautions

Pregnancy

Category A ( Category C in doses that exceed the RDA).

Lactation

Excreted in breast milk.

Deficiency

Riboflavin deficiency rarely occurs alone; often associated with deficiency of other B vitamins and protein.

Patient Information

  • Instruct patient to take medication with meals to increase drug absorption.
  • Inform patient that urine may turn yellow-orange color.
  • Advise patient to take only recommended dose.
  • Teach patient about nutritious diet and refer to dietitian if necessary.
  • Review diet of foods high in riboflavin (B 2 ): eggs, organ meats, whole grain cereals and breads, green vegetables, mushrooms, avocados, kidney beans, cashews, chestnuts, cheeses.
  • Advise female patients to contact health care provider if pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Copyright © 2009 Wolters Kluwer Health.

Printable Version | Email | Save or Share

More Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) resources

(web9)