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Multivitamins
MULTIVITAMIN
Generic Name:
multivitamin (mull tee VYE tah min)
What are multivitamins?
Multivitamins are combinations of
vitamins in tablets, capsules, liquids, and injections. Multivitamins are used
to treat vitamin shortages in the body that may occur because of illness,
pregnancy, poor nutrition, decreased absorption of foods through the stomach,
and many other circumstances.
Multivitamins may also be used for
purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about
multivitamins?
Do not take more of a
multivitamin than is prescribed for you or is directed on the package. Large
doses of multivitamins can be dangerous.
Who should not take multivitamins?
Some multivitamins may affect other
medical conditions or treatments.
Do not start taking a multivitamin
without first talking to your doctor if you have any health problems or
conditions, or if you take other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
Multivitamins are
generally considered to be safe for use during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
Special prenatal
vitamins are available and are important for the healthy development of a baby.
However, large doses of some vitamins can be harmful.
Talk to your doctor
about taking a vitamin and mineral supplement during pregnancy or
breast-feeding.
How should I take multivitamin?
Take multivitamins exactly as directed
by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a
full glass of water. Take multivitamins with food to lessen stomach upset.
Some multivitamins are available in a
chewable tablet formulation. Chew these tablets thoroughly before swallowing.
Some multivitamins are
also available in liquid form. To ensure that you get the correct dosage,
measure liquid multivitamins with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular
table spoon.
If you do not have a
dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Do not take
more of a multivitamin than is prescribed for you or is directed on the
package.
Large doses of
multivitamins can be dangerous. Store multivitamins at room temperature away
from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you
remember.
However, if it is almost time for your
next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled
dose. Do not take a double dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical
attention.
Most commonly, symptoms of a
multivitamin overdose include nausea and vomiting.
What should I avoid while taking multivitamins?
There are no restrictions on food,
beverages, or activities while you are taking multivitamin supplements. Follow
any special instructions your doctor gives you.
Multivitamins side effects
Stop taking
multivitamins and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an
allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of
your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
Other, less serious side effects may be
more likely to occur. Nausea, constipation, black stools, and diarrhea are
among the most common. Taking multivitamins with food may decrease these side
effects.
Side effects other than those listed
here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems
unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect multivitamin?
Before taking a multivitamin, tell your
doctor if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
You may not be able to take the
multivitamin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if
you are taking any other medicines.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist has more information
about multivitamins written for health professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Multivitamins are available by
prescription and over-the-counter generically and under many brand names in
several formulations.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you
have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
Remember, keep this and all other
medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others,
and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided
by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no
guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time
sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare
practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless
specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse
drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an
informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in
caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a
supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and
judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug
or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or
drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient.
Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare
administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information
contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions,
precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse
effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your
doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
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