Biotin

Products

Biotin is commercially available as a monopreparation in the form of tablets from various suppliers. It has been approved in many countries since 1964.

Structure and properties

Biotin (C10H6N2O3S, Mr = 244.3 g/mol) exists as a white crystalline powder or as colorless crystals and is very sparingly soluble in water. It is a cyclic urea derivative.

Effects

Biotin (ATC A11HA05) is an essential water-soluble vitamin and plays an important role as a coenzyme in carbohydrate and fat metabolism (e.g., gluconeogenesis, lipogenesis). It is covalently bound to carboxylases and involved in carboxylation and decarboxylation reactions.

Indications

  • For the treatment of nail and hair growth disorders caused by biotin deficiency.
  • For the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis in infants caused by biotin deficiency.
  • For the treatment of biotin deficiency.

Dosage

According to the professional information. For the treatment of nail and hair growth disorders, the tablets are usually taken once a day before meals.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity

For complete precautions, see the drug label.

Interactions

Avidin, which is present in raw egg white, may form an inactive complex with biotin. Therefore, biotin should not be taken concomitantly with raw egg white. Antiepileptic drugs may lower biotin levels.

Adverse effects

Biotin has a wide therapeutic range. Very rarely, allergic reactions have been reported.