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Biotin

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 24, 2023.

Pronunciation

(BYE oh tin)

Index Terms

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product

Capsule, Oral:

Meribin: 5 mg

Capsule, Oral [preservative free]:

Biotin Extra Strength: 10 mg [gluten free; contains soybean lecithin, soybean oil]

Generic: 5000 mcg

Tablet, Oral:

Generic: 1000 mcg, 5 mg, 10 mg

Tablet, Oral [preservative free]:

Generic: 300 mcg [DSC], 1000 mcg

Brand Names: U.S.

Pharmacologic Category

Pharmacology

Functions as a coenzyme; involved in carboxylation, transcarboxylation, and decarboxylation reactions of gluconeogenesis, lipogenesis, fatty acid synthesis, propionate metabolism, and the catabolism of leucine

Use: Labeled Indications

Dietary supplement: As a biotin dietary supplement

Dosing: Adult

Dietary supplementation (OTC labeling): Oral: Usual dosage: One tablet or capsule daily; also see specific product labeling

Dosing: Geriatric

Refer to adult dosing.

Dosing: Pediatric

Biotinidase deficiency, symptomatic: Limited data available: Infants, Children, and Adolescents: Oral: 5 to 20 mg once daily (McVoy 1990; Micó 2011; Salbert 1993; Wolf 2003; Wolf 2010)

Administration

Oral: May be administered without regard to meals; may be preferable to take with meals

Dietary Considerations

Adequate intake (IOM 1998):

0 to 6 months: 5 mcg daily (~0.7 mcg/kg)

7 to 12 months: 6 mcg daily (~0.7 mcg/kg)

1 to 3 years: 8 mcg daily

4 to 8 years: 12 mcg daily

9 to 13 years: 20 mcg daily

14 to 18 years: 25 mcg daily

≥19 years: 30 mcg daily

Pregnancy: 30 mcg daily

Lactation: 35 mcg daily

Test Interactions

Biotin can significantly interfere with certain lab tests and cause incorrect test results, including false negative results (eg, falsely low troponin) or false positive results (eg, thyroid function tests appearing as Graves disease), possibly leading to inappropriate patient management or misdiagnosis (Bowen 2019; FDA Safety Communication 2019; Kummer 2016).

Adverse Reactions

There are no adverse reactions listed in the manufacturer's labeling.

Biotin side effects (more detail)

Warnings/Precautions

Other warnings/precautions:

• RDA values: Are not requirements, but are recommended daily intakes of certain essential nutrients.

• Laboratory test interaction: Biotin in blood or other samples taken from patients who are ingesting high levels of biotin from dietary supplements (including multivitamins, prenatal multivitamins, biotin supplements, and dietary supplements for hair, skin, and nail growth) can cause clinically significant incorrect lab test results. Some testing methods use biotin technology (eg, troponin, thyroid function tests, other hormone tests), which use biotin to bind to specific proteins that are measured to detect health conditions. An increase in the number of reported adverse events, including one death, related to biotin interference with lab tests has been reported. If a lab test result does not correspond with a patient's clinical symptoms, biotin interference should be considered as a possible source of error (Bowen 2019; FDA Safety Communication 2019).

Pregnancy Considerations

Water soluble vitamins cross the placenta (IOM 1998).

Patient Education

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to support healthy hair, skin, and nails.

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Talk to your doctor if you have questions.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer: This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a limited summary of general information about the medicine’s uses from the patient education leaflet and is not intended to be comprehensive. This limited summary does NOT include all information available about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. For a more detailed summary of information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine, please speak with your healthcare provider and review the entire patient education leaflet.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer