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Flavin: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Flavin - General Information

Nutritional factor found in milk, eggs, malted barley, liver, kidney, heart, and leafy vegetables. The richest natural source is yeast. It occurs in the free form only in the retina of the eye, in whey, and in urine; its principal forms in tissues and cells are as flavin mononucleotide and flavin-adenine dinucleotide. [PubChem]

 

Pharmacology of Flavin

Flavin or vitamin B2 is an easily absorbed, water-soluble micronutrient with a key role in maintaining human health. Like the other B vitamins, it supports energy production by aiding in the metabolising of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Vitamin B2 is also required for red blood cell formation and respiration, antibody production, and for regulating human growth and reproduction. It is essential for healthy skin, nails, hair growth and general good health, including regulating thyroid activity. Flavin also helps in the prevention or treatment of many types of eye disorders, including some cases of cataracts.

 

Flavin for patients

 

Flavin Interactions

Interactions for Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin):

Alcohol - impairs the intestinal absorption of riboflavin

Antidepressants (tricyclics or phenothiazines) - requirements for riboflavin may be increased in patients receiving these medications.

Probenecid - concurrent use decreases gastrointestinal absorption of riboflavin; requirements for riboflavin may be increased in patients receiving probenecid.

 

Flavin Contraindications

 

Additional information about Flavin

Flavin Indication: For the treatment of ariboflavinosis (vitamin B2 deficiency). Mechanism Of Action: Binds to riboflavin hydrogenase, riboflavin kinase, and riboflavin synthase. Flavin is the precursor of flavin mononucleotide (FMN, riboflavin monophosphate) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). The antioxidant activity of riboflavin is principally derived from its role as a precursor of FAD and the role of this cofactor in the production of the antioxidant reduced glutathione. Reduced glutathione is the cofactor of the selenium-containing glutathione peroxidases among other things. The glutathione peroxidases are major antioxidant enzymes. Reduced glutathione is generated by the FAD-containing enzyme glutathione reductase. Drug Interactions: Not Available Food Interactions: Not Available Generic Name: Riboflavin Synonyms: Vitamin B2; Riboflavina [Inn-Spanish]; Riboflavine [Inn-French]; Riboflavinum [Inn-Latin]; Russupteridine Yellow III; Vitamin G; Vitamin Bi; Lactoflavin; Lactoflavine Drug Category: Radiation-Sensitizing Agents; Vitamins (Vitamin B Complex) Drug Type: Small Molecule; Nutraceutical; Approved Other Brand Names containing Riboflavin: Aqua-Flave; Beflavin; Beflavine; Bisulase; Dermadram; Fiboflavin; Flavaxin; Flavin; Flavin Bb; Flaxain; HSDB 817; Hyflavin; Hyre; Lactobene; Ovoflavin; Ribipca; Ribocrisina; Riboderm; Ribosyn; Ribotone; Ribovel; Vitaflavine; Vitasan B2; Absorption: Vitamin B2 is readily absorbed from the upper gastrointestinal tract. Toxicity (Overdose): Not Available Protein Binding: 60% Biotransformation: Hepatic. Half Life: 66-84 minutes Dosage Forms of Flavin: Not Available Chemical IUPAC Name: 7,8-dimethyl-10-[(2R,3R,4S)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentyl]benzo[g]pteridine-2,4-dione Chemical Formula: C17H20N4O6 Riboflavin on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riboflavin Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals