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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Petrolatum, Cod Liver
Brand Name
Curacid Dermal For Cuts And Burns
Generic Name
Petrolatum, Cod Liver
Active Ingredient
Cod Liver OilCategory
Calculi Dissolution Agent [EPC]
Variants
1
Different strengths and dosage forms
| Strength | Form | Route | NDC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 mg/mL | OINTMENT | TOPICAL | 69981-710 |
Detailed information about Curacid Dermal For Cuts And Burns
References used for this content
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Before using any prescription or over-the-counter medication for Curacid Dermal For Cuts And Burns, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Cod Liver Oil is a nutrient-dense supplement and pharmacological agent classified as a Calculi Dissolution Agent and Anti-coagulant. It is primarily used to support cardiovascular health, provide essential vitamins A and D, and manage specific metabolic conditions under clinical supervision.
Dosage for Cod Liver Oil varies significantly based on the intended clinical outcome. For general nutritional support and Vitamin D maintenance, a standard dose typically ranges from 5 mL to 10 mL (1 to 2 teaspoons) of liquid oil daily, or 1,000 mg to 2,000 mg in softgel form. When used as a Calculi Dissolution Agent, healthcare providers may prescribe specific higher doses tailored to the patient's metabolic profile and stone composition. For cardiovascular benefits, doses providing at least 1 gram of combined EPA and DHA are often recommended. It is critical not to exceed the dosage recommended by a physician, as the high Vitamin A content in Cod Liver Oil can lead to toxicity (hypervitaminosis A) at elevated levels.
Cod Liver Oil has a long history of use in children for the prevention of rickets. For infants and children, the dosage is strictly based on age and weight to avoid Vitamin A toxicity. Typical pediatric doses range from 2.5 mL to 5 mL daily. However, modern pediatricians often prefer standardized Vitamin D drops to avoid the risk of excessive Vitamin A intake. Do not administer Cod Liver Oil to children without a direct recommendation and dosage schedule from a pediatrician.
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) must use Cod Liver Oil with extreme caution. Because the kidneys are responsible for the final activation of Vitamin D, and renal clearance of certain metabolites may be reduced, there is a heightened risk of hypercalcemia (high blood calcium). Dosage should be monitored via regular serum calcium and phosphorus labs.
Since the liver is the primary storage site for Vitamin A and the site of the first hydroxylation of Vitamin D, patients with liver cirrhosis or hepatitis may experience altered metabolism. In cases of severe hepatic impairment, Cod Liver Oil may be contraindicated due to the risk of further liver stress or toxicity from fat-soluble vitamin accumulation.
Older adults often benefit from the bone-strengthening effects of Cod Liver Oil but are at a higher risk for drug interactions, particularly with blood thinners. Dosing should start at the lower end of the spectrum, with careful monitoring of renal function and coagulation markers.
To maximize the efficacy and minimize the side effects of Cod Liver Oil, follow these guidelines:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one, as this increases the risk of acute Vitamin A or D toxicity.
An overdose of Cod Liver Oil can lead to acute or chronic toxicity. Signs of an acute overdose include severe headache, dizziness, blurred vision, and nausea. Chronic overdose (taking too much over a long period) can result in dry skin, joint pain, hair loss, and high calcium levels (leading to kidney stones or heart rhythm issues). In case of a suspected large-scale ingestion, contact your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention immediately.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions exactly. Because Cod Liver Oil contains potent fat-soluble vitamins and has anti-coagulant properties, adjusting your dose without medical guidance can lead to serious health complications.
The most frequently reported side effects of Cod Liver Oil are gastrointestinal in nature. Many patients experience "fishy burps" (eructation) or a persistent fishy aftertaste. This occurs as the oil is broken down in the stomach. Other common effects include mild nausea, loose stools, or heartburn. These symptoms are usually transient and can often be mitigated by taking the supplement with food or opting for enteric-coated capsules that dissolve in the small intestine rather than the stomach.
Some individuals may experience more pronounced digestive upset, including abdominal bloating or diarrhea. There may also be mild skin changes, such as increased oiliness or a slight change in body odor. Because of its Anti-coagulant [EPC] properties, some patients might notice that minor cuts take slightly longer to stop bleeding, or they may experience more frequent bruising than usual.
Rarely, Cod Liver Oil can cause significant allergic reactions in individuals with fish allergies. Symptoms may include hives, skin rashes, or itching. Some patients may also experience a paradoxical increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, though this is usually offset by a significant decrease in triglycerides. In rare instances, the Adrenergic Agonist activity might cause mild palpitations or a feeling of restlessness in sensitive individuals.
While Cod Liver Oil is generally safe, certain symptoms indicate a severe reaction or toxicity that requires urgent medical intervention:
> Warning: Stop taking Cod Liver Oil and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these serious side effects. These may indicate that the dose is too high for your body to process safely.
Prolonged use of high-dose Cod Liver Oil carries the risk of chronic Vitamin A and D accumulation. Long-term Vitamin A toxicity can lead to bone thinning (osteoporosis), liver damage, and central nervous system disorders. Excessive Vitamin D over many years can cause permanent damage to the kidneys and heart due to the calcification of soft tissues. Furthermore, because of its role as an anti-coagulant, long-term users may have an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke if their blood becomes too thin, especially if they are also taking other medications that affect clotting.
No FDA black box warnings currently exist for Cod Liver Oil. However, it is regulated differently depending on whether it is marketed as a dietary supplement or a clinical-grade preparation. Patients should be aware that the lack of a black box warning does not imply the absence of risk, particularly regarding its interactions with other pharmaceutical anti-coagulants and its potential for fat-soluble vitamin toxicity.
Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider. Monitoring of blood levels for Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and coagulation markers (like PT/INR) may be necessary for long-term, high-dose therapy.
Cod Liver Oil is a pharmacologically active substance that influences blood clotting, mineral metabolism, and the sympathetic nervous system. It is not a simple "vitamin pill" and must be treated with the same caution as any other medication. Patients with pre-existing conditions, particularly those involving the liver, kidneys, or blood, must undergo a thorough medical evaluation before starting therapy.
No FDA black box warnings for Cod Liver Oil. However, the clinical community maintains high vigilance regarding its use in patients with bleeding disorders or those scheduled for surgery.
If you are taking clinical-grade Cod Liver Oil or high supplemental doses, your doctor may require the following tests:
Cod Liver Oil generally does not interfere with the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if you experience dizziness or blurred vision (signs of Vitamin A toxicity), you should avoid these activities and contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Concurrent use of alcohol and Cod Liver Oil can increase the strain on the liver. Chronic alcohol consumption depletes the liver's defenses and may make it more susceptible to Vitamin A toxicity. It is advised to limit alcohol intake while on high-dose Cod Liver Oil therapy.
While there is no "withdrawal syndrome" associated with Cod Liver Oil, stopping it suddenly may lead to a return of the symptoms it was treating (e.g., rising triglyceride levels or increased joint pain). If you are taking it for its anti-coagulant effects, your doctor may recommend a gradual taper before surgery to allow your blood's clotting ability to normalize.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions, especially any history of kidney stones, liver disease, or bleeding disorders, with your healthcare provider before starting Cod Liver Oil.
Cod Liver Oil should not be used in combination with other high-dose Vitamin A or Vitamin D supplements (such as Accutane/isotretinoin or calcitriol) unless specifically directed by a specialist. Combining these can lead to rapid-onset acute toxicity. Specifically, the use of Isotretinoin (a Vitamin A derivative for acne) alongside Cod Liver Oil is strictly contraindicated due to the extreme risk of hypervitaminosis A, which can cause permanent liver damage and increased intracranial pressure.
Cod Liver Oil can interfere with certain laboratory results:
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. The anti-coagulant and adrenergic properties of Cod Liver Oil make it highly reactive with many common prescriptions.
Cod Liver Oil must NEVER be used in the following circumstances:
Conditions requiring a careful risk-benefit analysis by a physician include:
Patients who are sensitive to other fish-derived products (such as Omega-3 acid ethyl esters or fish meal) are likely to be cross-sensitive to Cod Liver Oil. There is also a theoretical cross-sensitivity with other fat-soluble vitamin preparations if the patient has a history of reacting to the carriers or stabilizers used in those products.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history, including any history of hypercalcemia or bleeding disorders, before prescribing Cod Liver Oil.
Cod Liver Oil in pregnancy is a subject of significant clinical caution. It is generally categorized as Category C (by older FDA standards) or requiring careful risk assessment. The primary concern is Vitamin A (Retinol). While Vitamin A is essential for fetal development, excessive intake (above 10,000 IU per day) is known to be teratogenic, meaning it can cause birth defects, particularly affecting the heart and central nervous system. Most prenatal vitamins provide Vitamin A as Beta-carotene (a safer precursor), whereas Cod Liver Oil provides preformed Retinol. Pregnant women should only take Cod Liver Oil under strict medical supervision and should never exceed the recommended dose.
Active components of Cod Liver Oil, including Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamins A and D, do pass into breast milk. This is generally considered beneficial for the nursing infant's brain and eye development. However, if the mother is taking very high therapeutic doses, there is a theoretical risk of the infant receiving too much Vitamin D, leading to hypercalcemia. Monitoring the infant for signs of excessive vitamin intake (such as poor feeding or irritability) is advised if the mother is on high-dose therapy.
Cod Liver Oil is approved for use in children to prevent Vitamin D deficiency and rickets. However, the therapeutic window is narrow. Children are much more susceptible to Vitamin A toxicity than adults. Pediatric use must always be guided by a doctor to ensure the child is not receiving duplicate vitamins from fortified foods or other supplements. It is NOT approved for use in infants under 6 months unless specifically directed by a neonatologist.
In the elderly, Cod Liver Oil is often used to support bone density and cognitive function. However, the pharmacokinetic profile changes with age; reduced renal clearance and a higher prevalence of polypharmacy (taking multiple drugs) increase the risk of interactions. Elderly patients are at a higher risk of falls if they develop Vitamin D-related hypercalcemia (which causes confusion) or excessive bleeding from the oil's anti-coagulant effects. Dose titration should be conservative.
For patients with a GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate) below 30 mL/min, Cod Liver Oil should be used with extreme caution. The kidneys' inability to balance calcium and phosphorus means that the Vitamin D in Cod Liver Oil could lead to soft tissue calcification (calciphylaxis). Dialysis does not effectively clear fat-soluble vitamins, increasing the risk of toxicity.
Patients with Child-Pugh Class B or C hepatic impairment should avoid high-dose Cod Liver Oil. The liver's reduced capacity to synthesize transport proteins for Vitamin A and its impaired storage capacity can lead to toxic levels of free retinoids in the blood, further damaging the liver and other organs.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment. Never start Cod Liver Oil during pregnancy or for a child without consulting a qualified healthcare professional.
Cod Liver Oil exerts its effects through several distinct molecular pathways. As an Acidifying Agent, it modulates the pH of local physiological environments, which can assist in the dissolution of certain mineral calculi. Its Anti-coagulant effect is primarily mediated by Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which competes with arachidonic acid for the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX). This results in the production of thromboxane A3 (a weak platelet aggregator) instead of thromboxane A2 (a potent aggregator), thereby increasing bleeding time.
As an Adrenergic Agonist, the fatty acids in the oil influence the lipid rafts within cell membranes where adrenergic receptors reside. By altering membrane fluidity, they can enhance the coupling of alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors to their respective G-proteins, modulating the sympathetic nervous system's output. Furthermore, Vitamin D binds to the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR), a transcription factor that moves into the nucleus to regulate the expression of genes involved in calcium transport (like calbindin).
The dose-response relationship for Cod Liver Oil is non-linear. Small doses are effective for preventing deficiency, but much larger doses are required to achieve anti-coagulant or triglyceride-lowering effects. The onset of the anti-coagulant effect typically takes several days of consistent dosing as the fatty acids are incorporated into platelet membranes. The duration of effect can last for several days after discontinuation due to the lifespan of the affected platelets (approximately 7-10 days).
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | 70-90% (when taken with food) |
| Protein Binding | >95% (Vitamins A and D bound to specific transport proteins) |
| Half-life | Omega-3s: 2-3 days; Vitamin D: 15-25 days; Vitamin A: Weeks to months |
| Tmax | 3-6 hours for fatty acids |
| Metabolism | Hepatic (CYP450 enzymes not primarily involved; Beta-oxidation and specific hydroxylases) |
| Excretion | Fecal (primary for vitamins), Pulmonary (CO2 for fatty acids) |
Cod Liver Oil is a complex mixture of glycerides of fatty acids (primarily EPA and DHA) along with naturally occurring Retinol (Vitamin A) and Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3). It is a pale yellow, oily liquid with a characteristic fishy odor and taste. It is slightly soluble in alcohol but miscible with ether and chloroform.
Cod Liver Oil belongs to the therapeutic class of Nutritional Supplements and Lipid-Regulating Agents. Within the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class system, it is uniquely categorized as a Calculi Dissolution Agent [EPC], Anti-coagulant [EPC], and Adrenergic Agonist [EPC].
Common questions about Curacid Dermal For Cuts And Burns
Cod Liver Oil is primarily used as a source of Vitamins A and D to prevent nutritional deficiencies like rickets and to support bone health. Clinically, it is also utilized for its Omega-3 fatty acids to lower high triglyceride levels and support cardiovascular health. Additionally, it is classified as a Calculi Dissolution Agent, meaning it may be used under medical supervision to help manage or dissolve certain types of mineral stones in the body. Some healthcare providers also recommend it off-label for its anti-inflammatory properties to help with joint stiffness. It is important to use it only for the indications your doctor has approved, as it has potent anti-coagulant and adrenergic effects.
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal, specifically fishy-smelling burps, a fishy aftertaste, and mild nausea. Some patients may also experience loose stools or indigestion, particularly when first starting the supplement. These effects are generally harmless but can be bothersome. Taking the oil with a large meal or using enteric-coated capsules can significantly reduce these occurrences. If these symptoms persist or become severe, you should consult your healthcare provider to adjust your dose or form of administration.
It is generally advised to limit or avoid alcohol consumption while taking Cod Liver Oil, especially at high doses. Both alcohol and the Vitamin A found in Cod Liver Oil are processed by the liver, and combining them can increase the risk of hepatic (liver) strain or toxicity. Chronic alcohol use can also interfere with the body's ability to store and use the vitamins found in the oil. If you have a history of liver disease, this combination is particularly dangerous. Always discuss your alcohol intake with your doctor before starting any lipid-based clinical supplement.
Cod Liver Oil must be used with extreme caution during pregnancy because it contains preformed Vitamin A (retinol). While Vitamin A is necessary for the baby, excessive amounts—often found in high-dose Cod Liver Oil—can cause serious birth defects. Most doctors recommend that pregnant women get their Omega-3s from fish oil (which has the vitamins removed) or algae oil instead. If your doctor does recommend Cod Liver Oil, you must strictly follow the dosage to ensure you do not exceed the safe upper limit for Vitamin A. Never start this supplement while pregnant without professional medical guidance.
The time it takes for Cod Liver Oil to work depends on the condition being treated. For nutritional deficiencies, blood levels of Vitamin D may begin to rise within a few days, but it can take weeks to see improvements in bone health or energy levels. For cardiovascular benefits, such as lowering triglycerides, it typically takes 2 to 3 months of consistent use to see a significant change in lab results. The anti-coagulant effects on platelets begin within a few days but reach their peak after about a week of daily dosing. Patience and consistency are key to achieving the desired clinical outcomes.
Stopping Cod Liver Oil suddenly is generally safe and does not cause a withdrawal syndrome like some prescription medications. However, if you were taking it to manage a specific condition like high triglycerides or joint inflammation, your symptoms may return shortly after you stop. If you are taking it for its anti-coagulant properties and have an upcoming surgery, your doctor will likely ask you to stop taking it two weeks in advance to allow your blood clotting to return to normal. Always inform your healthcare provider before you decide to discontinue a supplement used for clinical purposes.
If you miss a dose of Cod Liver Oil, take it as soon as you remember, provided it is not very close to your next scheduled dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, simply skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. You should never take two doses at once to 'catch up,' as this increases the risk of acute Vitamin A or D toxicity. Because these vitamins are fat-soluble and stored in the body, a single missed dose is unlikely to impact your long-term health. Just focus on returning to your daily routine as soon as possible.
Cod Liver Oil is a fat and does contain calories (roughly 40-45 calories per teaspoon), but it is unlikely to cause significant weight gain when taken at standard dosages. In fact, some studies suggest that Omega-3 fatty acids may support metabolic health and help with weight management when combined with diet and exercise. However, if you are taking very large doses, those extra calories can add up over time. If you are concerned about weight gain, you can discuss the caloric impact with a dietitian or your doctor. Most patients find the health benefits far outweigh the negligible caloric intake.
Cod Liver Oil has several significant drug interactions, particularly with blood thinners like Warfarin or Aspirin, due to its anti-coagulant properties. It can also interact with blood pressure medications and weight-loss drugs like Orlistat. Because it contains high levels of fat-soluble vitamins, it should not be taken with other supplements containing Vitamin A or D or with certain acne medications like Isotretinoin. Always provide your doctor or pharmacist with a full list of your current medications before starting Cod Liver Oil. They can help you schedule your doses to avoid interactions and ensure your safety.
Cod Liver Oil is widely available as a generic product and is sold under many different brand names and store labels. Because it is a natural product derived from fish, there is no single 'generic' version in the way there is for synthetic drugs, but 'store brand' versions are essentially the same as name-brand supplements. When choosing a product, look for one that has been third-party tested (such as by USP or NSF) to ensure it is free from contaminants like mercury or PCBs and that the vitamin levels match the label. Clinical-grade versions may be prescribed by a doctor for specific medical conditions.
Other drugs with the same active ingredient (Cod Liver Oil)