composition :
Each tablet contains :
Biotin 5 mg Drug Category : Vitamins Description :CUTIVIT 5 mg tablets contains Biotin a water-soluble B vitamin typically found in liver, egg, yolk, cereals, legumes and nuts. In the body, biotin is found in low concentrations in the brain, liver and muscle tissue. Biotin is utilized to synthesize intracellular carboxylase enzymes and is essential for normal skin and hair growth. The various carboxylase enzymes are important for lipid metabolism and energy production via synthesis of oxaloacetate. Alcohol decreases biotin status in the body. Indications :CUTIVIT tablets has been recommended as a vitamin supplement for the treatment of :
Brittle nails :
Although no herb or supplement has been proven effective for brittle nails, the is some evidence that the B vitamin Biotin might help. Preliminary evidence from a small controlled study suggests that biotin may increase the thickness of brittle nails, reduce their tendency to split, and improve their microscopic structure.To arrive at their results, the researchers used a scanning electron microscope to examine the effects of biotin in 8 women with brittle nails who were given 2.5 mg of biotin daily over 6-9 month periods.(An additional 24 individuals were also studied; 10 served as controls, and the other 14 were examined in a way that makes the interpretation of their results questionable.)Because all nail clippings they were looking at, these results have some validity. ( Reference : J Am Acad Dermatol. 1990; 23 : 1127-1132 ) Three uncontrolled trials examining the effects of biotin supplementation ( 2.5 mg/day for up to six months) in women with brittle fingernails have been published. In two of the trials, subjective evidence of clinical improvement was reported in 67-91% of the participants available for follow-up at the end of the treatment period. One trial that used scanning electron microscopy to assess fingernail thickness and splitting found that fingernail thickness increased by 25% and splitting decreased after biotin supplementation.Although the results of these small uncontrolled trials suggest that biotin supplements may be helpful in strengthening brittle nails,larger placebo-controlled trials are needed to assess the efficacy of high dose biotin supplementation for the treatment of brittle fingernails. ( References : 1. Floerscheim GL. (Treatment of brittle fingernails with biotin).(Article in German).Z.Hautkr.1989; 64 : 41-48. (2).Hochman LG,Scher RK,Meyerson MS.Brittle nails : response to daily biotin supplementation. Cutis. 1993;51 : 303-305)
Onychoschizia : Onychoschizia is also known as lamellar dystrophy and is characterized by transverse splitting into layers at or near the free edge in fingers and toes specially in infants. Biotin has been used as a systemic therapy. Brittle nails are often associated with Onychoschizia.
Biotin induced hairlossCUTIVIT strenghthens hair & maintains regrowth of healthy,lustrous hair in biotin
Uncombable hair syndrome The uncombable hair syndrome ,also known as spun-glass and cheveux incoiffables,is a rare congenital disorder.It is characterized by a longitutional grooving of the hair shaft resulting in a triangular cross section ( pili trianguli et canaliculi).There is a report of biotin reversing scaling,hair loss,hair fragility,and uncombability in a two-year old boy with syndrome.The hair remained combable even after one year.The mechanism of action of biotin in this syndrome are biotin-responsive.(Ref : “Uncombable hair syndrome: observations on response to biotin and occurrence in siblings with ectodermal dysplasia. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1985; 13:97-102”.)
Periorifacial DermatitisCUTIVIT was found to be effective in relieving biotin-deficient generalized erythematous scaly skin eruptions around the eyes,nose,mouth & genital area. (Ref : Alopecia and periorifacial dermatitis in biotin-responsive multiple carboxylase deficiency. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1983 Jul; 9(1):97-103
Seborrhoeic Dermatitis CUTIVIT was found effective in Seborrhoeic Dermatitis in infants.
(Ref : (1) Seborrhoeic Dermatitis of infants and Leiner’s disease: a biotin deficiency. J Pediatr. 1957 Nov; 51(5):537-48. (2)Generalised Seborrhoeic Dermatitis.Clinical and therapeutic data of 25 patients.Arch Dis Child.1975 Nov ; 50(11) : 871-4)
Diffuse Alopecia in womanCUTIVIT is effective in Biotin-responsive Alopecia like Diffuse Alopecia in women & Alopecia Areata
(Ref : (1) Effect of biotin on hair roots and sebum excretion in women with diffuse alopecia. Pol Med J. 1996 ; 5(2): 447-52. (2). Biotin responsive alopecia and development regression.Lancet. 1979 Jul 21; 2(8134): 118-20. (3) Alopecia and periorificial dermatitis in biotin-responsive multiple carboxylase deficiency. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1983 Jul ; 9 (1) : 97-103.)
Dosage : 1-2 tablets daily.But the therapeutic dosage can go upto 30 mg/day in certain biotin-deficiency states.
Safety : Biotin is not known to be toxic.Oral biotin supplementation has been well-tolerated in dosages upto 200 mg/day in people with heredity disorders of biotin metabolism. (Ref : Food and Nutrition Board : Institute of Medicine).In people without disorders of biotin metabolism,doses of upto 5mg/day for two years were not associated with adverse effects.(ref : Biotin for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.Biomed Pharmacother.1990; 44(10): 511-514).
Contraindications :CUTIVIT is contraindicated in those who are hypersensitive to any component of the medication.
Precautions : Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid supplemental doses of biotin greater that the adequate intakes (AI) recommended by The Food and Nutrition Board,unless higher doses are prescribed by physicians. (FNB advices AI of 30 mcg/day for pregnant women, and 35 mcg/day for nursing mothers)
Drug Interactions :
Antibiotics : Antibiotic use may decrease the biotin contribution to the body by suppressing the biotin-producing intestinal microflora.
Anticonvulsants ( carbamazepine , phenytoin , Phenobarbital , primidone) : Long term use of these drugs reduces plasma concentration of biotin.
Nutritional supplements (Pantothenic Acid) : High doses of pantothenic acid can inhibit absorption of biotin produced by intestinal microflora.
