Riboflavin (Vitamin B₂)

A to Z Drug Facts

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

 Indications Prevention and treatment of riboflavin deficiency.

 Contraindications None well documented.

 Route/Dosage

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.

 Interactions None well documented.

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

 Adverse Reactions

GU: 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.

 Administration/Storage

• May be given IM or IV as component of multivitamin.
• Administer with food for optimal absorption.
• Store in cool place in light-resistant container.

 Assessment/Interventions

• Obtain patient history, including drug history and any known allergies.
• Assess for deficiency of other B vitamins and protein.
• Evaluate diet history.
• Perform nutritional assessment if indicated.

 Patient/Family Education

• 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 (B₂): eggs, organ meats, whole grain cereals and breads, green vegetables, mushrooms, avocadoes, kidney beans, cashews, chestnuts, cheeses.

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Copyright © 2003 Facts and Comparisons
David S. Tatro
A to Z Drug Facts