Cerovite Jr Chewable Tablets
WARNING: Accidental overdose of drugs that have iron in them is a leading cause of deadly poisoning in children younger than 6 years of age. Keep away from children. If this drug is taken by accident, call a doctor or poison control center right away. @ COMMON USES: It is used to help growth and good health.
Drug Class
Vitamin/Mineral Supplement
Pharmacologic Class
Multivitamin, Iron Supplement
Pregnancy Category
Not assigned for this pediatric formulation; individual components (e.g., iron) have specific considerations.
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Cerovite Jr Chewable Tablets are a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement, specifically designed for children, that includes iron. They help ensure children get enough essential vitamins and minerals for healthy growth and development, especially if their diet is not always balanced.
How to Use This Medicine
Taking This Medication
To ensure your child takes this medication correctly, follow the instructions provided by their doctor and read all accompanying information carefully. Take this medication with or without food, but if it causes stomach upset, give it with food. However, some medications must be taken with food or on an empty stomach, so consult with your pharmacist to determine the best approach for this specific drug.
Make sure your child chews the medication thoroughly before swallowing. Note that some brands can be swallowed whole or dissolved in the mouth; if you're unsure, consult with your pharmacist.
Storing and Disposing of This Medication
Store this medication in its original container at room temperature, in a dry location, and away from bathrooms. Protect it from heat and light to maintain its effectiveness.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, administer it as soon as you remember. However, if the next scheduled dose is near, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not give your child two doses at the same time or extra doses to make up for the missed one.
To ensure your child takes this medication correctly, follow the instructions provided by their doctor and read all accompanying information carefully. Take this medication with or without food, but if it causes stomach upset, give it with food. However, some medications must be taken with food or on an empty stomach, so consult with your pharmacist to determine the best approach for this specific drug.
Make sure your child chews the medication thoroughly before swallowing. Note that some brands can be swallowed whole or dissolved in the mouth; if you're unsure, consult with your pharmacist.
Storing and Disposing of This Medication
Store this medication in its original container at room temperature, in a dry location, and away from bathrooms. Protect it from heat and light to maintain its effectiveness.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, administer it as soon as you remember. However, if the next scheduled dose is near, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not give your child two doses at the same time or extra doses to make up for the missed one.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Encourage a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Store in a cool, dry place, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose without consulting a healthcare professional.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
Not the intended population; consult healthcare provider for adult dosing of similar products if used off-label.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established (specific infant formulations are available)
Infant:
Not established (specific infant formulations are available)
Child:
Typically 1 chewable tablet daily for children 2-12 years, or as directed by a healthcare professional. Dosing may vary by specific product formulation and age/weight.
Adolescent:
Typically 1 chewable tablet daily for adolescents 12-18 years, or as directed by a healthcare professional. Some formulations may suggest 1-2 tablets daily.
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No specific adjustment generally needed.
Moderate:
No specific adjustment generally needed.
Severe:
Use with caution due to potential for iron accumulation; consult nephrologist. May require dose adjustment or avoidance.
Dialysis:
Use with caution due to potential for iron accumulation; consult nephrologist. May require dose adjustment or avoidance.
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No specific adjustment generally needed.
Moderate:
No specific adjustment generally needed.
Severe:
Use with caution in patients with severe liver disease, especially if iron overload is a concern (e.g., hemochromatosis).
Confidence:
Medium
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Multivitamins provide essential vitamins and minerals that act as coenzymes, cofactors, and structural components necessary for various metabolic processes, cellular function, growth, and development. Iron is a crucial component of hemoglobin, myoglobin, and various enzymes involved in oxygen transport and cellular respiration.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Variable (depends on specific vitamin/mineral, formulation, and presence of food/other compounds). Iron absorption is regulated by body stores (higher in deficiency).
Tmax:
Variable (hours for most vitamins/minerals)
FoodEffect:
Absorption of some vitamins (e.g., fat-soluble) is enhanced by food. Iron absorption can be reduced by certain foods (e.g., dairy, tea, coffee, high fiber) and enhanced by Vitamin C.
Distribution:
Vd:
Variable (depends on specific vitamin/mineral)
ProteinBinding:
Variable (e.g., iron binds to transferrin)
CnssPenetration:
Limited for many water-soluble vitamins; some fat-soluble vitamins can cross.
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Variable (hours to days for individual components)
Clearance:
Variable (renal for water-soluble, biliary/fecal for some fat-soluble)
ExcretionRoute:
Renal (water-soluble vitamins), Biliary/Fecal (some fat-soluble vitamins, unabsorbed iron)
Unchanged:
Variable
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Not applicable in the same pharmacological sense; effects are gradual and cumulative with consistent use to correct or prevent deficiencies.
PeakEffect:
Not applicable
DurationOfAction:
Not applicable; sustained effect with consistent daily intake.
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Serious Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If your child exhibits any of the following symptoms, contact their doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Black, tarry, or bloody stools
Fever
Vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material
Stomach cramps
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to monitor your child's response to the medication. If your child experiences any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms that bother them or persist, contact their doctor for guidance:
Upset stomach or vomiting
Diarrhea or constipation
Change in stool color to green
* Stomach pain
Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and your child may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your child's doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If your child exhibits any of the following symptoms, contact their doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Black, tarry, or bloody stools
Fever
Vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material
Stomach cramps
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to monitor your child's response to the medication. If your child experiences any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms that bother them or persist, contact their doctor for guidance:
Upset stomach or vomiting
Diarrhea or constipation
Change in stool color to green
* Stomach pain
Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and your child may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your child's doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Signs of iron overdose: severe stomach pain, vomiting (especially if bloody or dark), diarrhea, pale or bluish skin, drowsiness, weakness, shallow breathing, rapid heartbeat, seizures.
- Allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
- Persistent constipation or dark, tarry stools (can be normal with iron, but report if severe or concerning).
Before Using This Medicine
Before Giving This Medication to Your Child: Inform Your Doctor If:
- Your child is allergic to this medication, any of its components, or any other medications, foods, or substances. Describe the allergy and the symptoms your child experienced.
- Your child has an excessive amount of iron in their body.
This list does not include all possible drug interactions or health issues that may affect this medication. Therefore, it is crucial to inform the doctor and pharmacist about all the medications your child is taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, as well as any health problems they may have. To ensure safety, always verify that it is safe to administer this medication alongside your child's other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication your child is taking without first consulting with the doctor.
- Your child is allergic to this medication, any of its components, or any other medications, foods, or substances. Describe the allergy and the symptoms your child experienced.
- Your child has an excessive amount of iron in their body.
This list does not include all possible drug interactions or health issues that may affect this medication. Therefore, it is crucial to inform the doctor and pharmacist about all the medications your child is taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, as well as any health problems they may have. To ensure safety, always verify that it is safe to administer this medication alongside your child's other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication your child is taking without first consulting with the doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
Important Information for Patients Taking This Medication
It is essential to inform all of your child's healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that your child is taking this medication. This includes discussing the specific brand and formulation of the drug, as different brands may be approved for use in different age groups.
Administration and Dosage
Do not exceed the recommended dose or frequency of administration. Adhering to the prescribed dosage is crucial to minimize potential risks. If you are unsure about the correct dose or have questions, consult with your child's doctor.
Lab Tests and Interactions
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests. Therefore, it is vital to notify all healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that your child is taking this drug to ensure accurate test results.
Pediatric Considerations
The dosage of this medication may vary depending on your child's age. If you are uncertain about the correct dose for your child, consult with their doctor. Additionally, some brands of this medication may not be suitable for children under 4 years of age due to an increased risk of choking. If you are unsure about the suitability of this medication for your child, discuss the potential risks and benefits with their doctor.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breastfeeding, it is essential to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication with their doctor. This will help you make an informed decision about the use of this medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
It is essential to inform all of your child's healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that your child is taking this medication. This includes discussing the specific brand and formulation of the drug, as different brands may be approved for use in different age groups.
Administration and Dosage
Do not exceed the recommended dose or frequency of administration. Adhering to the prescribed dosage is crucial to minimize potential risks. If you are unsure about the correct dose or have questions, consult with your child's doctor.
Lab Tests and Interactions
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests. Therefore, it is vital to notify all healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that your child is taking this drug to ensure accurate test results.
Pediatric Considerations
The dosage of this medication may vary depending on your child's age. If you are uncertain about the correct dose for your child, consult with their doctor. Additionally, some brands of this medication may not be suitable for children under 4 years of age due to an increased risk of choking. If you are unsure about the suitability of this medication for your child, discuss the potential risks and benefits with their doctor.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breastfeeding, it is essential to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication with their doctor. This will help you make an informed decision about the use of this medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Initial phase (0-6 hours): Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea (may be bloody), lethargy, pallor.
- Latent phase (6-24 hours): Apparent recovery, but toxicity is progressing.
- Systemic toxicity phase (12-48 hours): Metabolic acidosis, shock, cardiovascular collapse, hepatic necrosis, coagulopathy, renal failure, coma, seizures.
- Delayed complications (weeks): Gastric scarring, stricture formation.
What to Do:
IMMEDIATELY call a poison control center (1-800-222-1222) or seek emergency medical attention. Do NOT induce vomiting unless instructed. Treatment may involve gastric lavage, whole bowel irrigation, and chelation therapy (e.g., deferoxamine) for severe iron overdose.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Hemochromatosis (genetic iron overload disorder)
- Hemosiderosis (iron overload due to other causes)
Major Interactions
- Iron with Tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline): Decreased absorption of both.
- Iron with Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin): Decreased absorption of both.
- Iron with Levothyroxine: Decreased absorption of levothyroxine.
- Vitamin K antagonists (e.g., warfarin) with high doses of Vitamin K: Decreased anticoagulant effect.
Moderate Interactions
- Iron with Antacids, Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), H2-receptor blockers: Decreased iron absorption due to reduced gastric acidity.
- Iron with Calcium supplements: Decreased absorption of both.
- Iron with Zinc supplements: High doses of one can inhibit absorption of the other.
- Vitamin C with Iron: Enhances iron absorption (can be beneficial but also increase risk in iron overload conditions).
- Vitamin E with Iron: High doses of iron may destroy Vitamin E.
Minor Interactions
- Certain foods (e.g., dairy, tea, coffee, high fiber) with iron: May reduce iron absorption.
- Alcohol: May affect absorption/metabolism of some vitamins.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Dietary intake assessment
Rationale: To determine if supplementation is truly needed and to identify potential deficiencies.
Timing: Prior to initiation, especially if concerns about nutritional status.
Hemoglobin and Ferritin (if iron deficiency suspected)
Rationale: To assess iron status before initiating iron supplementation, especially if symptoms of deficiency are present.
Timing: Prior to initiation if clinically indicated.
Routine Monitoring
Growth and Development (for children)
Frequency: Regular pediatric check-ups
Target: Age-appropriate growth curves
Action Threshold: Deviation from normal growth patterns may indicate underlying issues or inadequate nutrition.
Dietary intake
Frequency: Periodically
Target: Balanced diet with variety of foods
Action Threshold: Persistent poor dietary habits may require further intervention or adjustment of supplement.
Symptom Monitoring
- Signs of iron overdose (e.g., nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, lethargy, pallor, shock, metabolic acidosis)
- Allergic reactions (e.g., rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing)
- Gastrointestinal upset (e.g., constipation, dark stools, stomach cramps, nausea)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
This product is not intended for use in pregnant women. Pregnant women should use prenatal vitamins specifically formulated for pregnancy, which contain appropriate doses of folic acid and iron.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Not applicable for this product; however, adequate folic acid is crucial to prevent neural tube defects.
Second Trimester:
Not applicable for this product; iron needs increase during this trimester.
Third Trimester:
Not applicable for this product; iron needs remain high.
Lactation
This product is not intended for use in lactating women. Lactating women should use postnatal or general multivitamins appropriate for their needs, ensuring adequate intake of vitamins and minerals for both mother and infant.
Infant Risk:
Low risk if individual components are within recommended daily allowances for the mother; however, specific infant formulations are available for direct infant supplementation.
Pediatric Use
This product is specifically formulated for pediatric use. Adhere strictly to age-appropriate dosing instructions on the product label. Iron-containing products are a leading cause of accidental poisoning in children; store securely out of reach.
Geriatric Use
This product is not specifically formulated for geriatric use. Older adults may have different nutritional needs and absorption patterns, and may require specific geriatric multivitamin formulations or individual supplements.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Always emphasize the importance of a balanced diet as the primary source of nutrients; supplements are intended to fill gaps, not replace healthy eating.
- Stress the critical importance of keeping all iron-containing products, including chewable multivitamins, out of reach of children due to the high risk of accidental overdose.
- Educate parents that dark stools are a common and harmless side effect of iron supplementation.
- Advise taking iron with Vitamin C (e.g., orange juice) to enhance absorption, but be mindful of potential GI upset.
- Chewable tablets should be fully chewed before swallowing to ensure proper absorption and prevent choking hazards.
Alternative Therapies
- Dietary modifications to increase intake of iron-rich foods (e.g., red meat, fortified cereals, beans, leafy greens)
- Individual vitamin or mineral supplements if only specific deficiencies are identified (e.g., iron-only supplement for iron deficiency anemia, Vitamin D supplement)
- Prescription iron supplements for diagnosed iron deficiency anemia (higher doses than in multivitamins)
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$5 - $20 per 60-100 tablets
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Over-the-counter (OTC); generally not covered by prescription insurance plans.
General Drug Facts
If your child's symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact their doctor promptly. To ensure safe and effective treatment, never share your child's medication with others, and do not administer someone else's medication to your child.
For comprehensive information about this medication, consult the patient information leaflet that may accompany it. If you have any questions or concerns, discuss them with your child's doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Your pharmacist can also provide additional patient information leaflets, if available.
In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately contact your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the quantity, and the time it occurred.
For comprehensive information about this medication, consult the patient information leaflet that may accompany it. If you have any questions or concerns, discuss them with your child's doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Your pharmacist can also provide additional patient information leaflets, if available.
In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately contact your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the quantity, and the time it occurred.