Certavite Senior W/antioxidant Tabs
WARNING: If your product has iron in it: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.It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
Drug Class
Nutritional Supplement, Multivitamin
Pharmacologic Class
Vitamin Combination
Pregnancy Category
Not categorized by FDA for supplements; individual vitamins vary. Consult healthcare provider.
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Certavite Senior is a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement designed for older adults. It provides essential nutrients that may be lacking in the diet, helping to support overall health, bone strength, immune function, and energy levels as you age. It also contains antioxidants to help protect your cells.
How to Use This Medicine
Taking Your Medication Correctly
To get the most benefit from your medication, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Take your medication as directed, and follow these guidelines:
You can take this medication with or without food. If it causes stomach upset, take it with food.
For best absorption, take this medication at bedtime. If you have questions about the timing, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Extended-Release Products: Swallow the tablets whole; do not chew, break, or crush them.
Liquid Medication: Measure the dose carefully using the provided measuring device. If one is not included, ask your pharmacist for a measuring device to ensure accurate dosing.
* Chewable Tablets: Chew the tablets thoroughly before swallowing.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Keep your medication in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets. Store it at room temperature in a dry location, away from heat and light. Avoid storing it in a bathroom.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses.
To get the most benefit from your medication, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Take your medication as directed, and follow these guidelines:
You can take this medication with or without food. If it causes stomach upset, take it with food.
For best absorption, take this medication at bedtime. If you have questions about the timing, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Extended-Release Products: Swallow the tablets whole; do not chew, break, or crush them.
Liquid Medication: Measure the dose carefully using the provided measuring device. If one is not included, ask your pharmacist for a measuring device to ensure accurate dosing.
* Chewable Tablets: Chew the tablets thoroughly before swallowing.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Keep your medication in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets. Store it at room temperature in a dry location, away from heat and light. Avoid storing it in a bathroom.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take the tablet with food to improve absorption and reduce stomach upset.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose unless advised by a healthcare professional.
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Engage in regular physical activity as appropriate for your age and health.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
One tablet daily with food
Dose Range:
1 - 1 mg
Condition-Specific Dosing:
general_health:
One tablet daily
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not recommended for pediatric use as this is a senior-specific formulation.
Infant:
Not recommended for pediatric use as this is a senior-specific formulation.
Child:
Not recommended for pediatric use as this is a senior-specific formulation.
Adolescent:
Not recommended for pediatric use as this is a senior-specific formulation.
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
Generally no specific adjustment for standard doses.
Moderate:
Generally no specific adjustment for standard doses; caution with fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) in severe impairment.
Severe:
Caution advised; accumulation of certain vitamins (e.g., Vitamin A, D) can occur. Consult healthcare provider.
Dialysis:
Specific vitamin formulations for dialysis patients may be required. Consult healthcare provider.
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
Generally no specific adjustment for standard doses.
Moderate:
Generally no specific adjustment for standard doses.
Severe:
Caution advised; metabolism of certain vitamins may be impaired. Consult healthcare provider.
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Provides essential vitamins and minerals that act as coenzymes, cofactors, and structural components necessary for various metabolic processes, cellular functions, and overall health, particularly in older adults.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Highly variable depending on individual vitamin and mineral, formulation, and presence of food. Water-soluble vitamins are generally well-absorbed, fat-soluble vitamins require bile salts for absorption.
Tmax:
Highly variable (minutes to hours) depending on individual vitamin and mineral.
FoodEffect:
Generally enhanced absorption of fat-soluble vitamins with food; some water-soluble vitamins may be better absorbed on an empty stomach, but overall, taking with food reduces GI upset.
Distribution:
Vd:
Highly variable depending on individual vitamin and mineral.
ProteinBinding:
Variable; some vitamins (e.g., Vitamin D, A) are highly protein-bound.
CnssPenetration:
Limited for most vitamins, though some (e.g., B vitamins) are essential for CNS function.
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Highly variable (hours to days) depending on individual vitamin and mineral.
Clearance:
Highly variable depending on individual vitamin and mineral.
ExcretionRoute:
Water-soluble vitamins primarily renal; fat-soluble vitamins primarily biliary/fecal.
Unchanged:
Variable, especially for water-soluble vitamins.
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Gradual, sustained nutritional support; not an acute pharmacological effect.
PeakEffect:
Not applicable for a multivitamin in terms of acute effect.
DurationOfAction:
Sustained nutritional support as long as supplementation continues.
Confidence:
Medium
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:
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
If your product contains iron:
+ 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 discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor for advice:
Common to all products:
+ Upset stomach or vomiting
If your product contains iron:
+ Diarrhea or constipation
+ Change in stool color to green
+ Stomach pain
Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact your 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 you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:
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
If your product contains iron:
+ 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 discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor for advice:
Common to all products:
+ Upset stomach or vomiting
If your product contains iron:
+ Diarrhea or constipation
+ Change in stool color to green
+ Stomach pain
Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact your 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:
- Severe stomach pain or cramping
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation that doesn't resolve
- Unusual fatigue or weakness
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine or pale stools
- Signs of allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing)
Before Using This Medicine
Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following conditions to ensure safe treatment:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
Certain types of anemia, including pernicious anemia, which is characterized by a lack of vitamin B12 in the body.
If you are taking levodopa, as this may interact with the medication.
If you are taking mineral oil, as this can affect the absorption of the medication.
* If your medication contains iron:
+ If you have an excessive amount of iron in your body (iron overload).
+ If you have hemolytic anemia, a condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be made.
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help you determine if it is safe to take this medication with your existing treatments and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without consulting your doctor first.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following conditions to ensure safe treatment:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
Certain types of anemia, including pernicious anemia, which is characterized by a lack of vitamin B12 in the body.
If you are taking levodopa, as this may interact with the medication.
If you are taking mineral oil, as this can affect the absorption of the medication.
* If your medication contains iron:
+ If you have an excessive amount of iron in your body (iron overload).
+ If you have hemolytic anemia, a condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be made.
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help you determine if it is safe to take this medication with your existing treatments and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without consulting your doctor first.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. This is crucial because it may impact the results of certain laboratory tests. Therefore, be sure to notify all your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this drug.
If you have a soy allergy, consult with your doctor before taking this medication, as some products contain soy. Similarly, if you are allergic to tartrazine (also known as FD&C Yellow No. 5), discuss this with your doctor, as some products may contain this ingredient.
When considering administering this medication to a child, it is vital to consult with your doctor first, as different brands of this drug may be approved for use in children of varying ages.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, it is crucial to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication with your doctor, as this will help you make an informed decision about its use and any potential impact on you and your baby.
If you have a soy allergy, consult with your doctor before taking this medication, as some products contain soy. Similarly, if you are allergic to tartrazine (also known as FD&C Yellow No. 5), discuss this with your doctor, as some products may contain this ingredient.
When considering administering this medication to a child, it is vital to consult with your doctor first, as different brands of this drug may be approved for use in children of varying ages.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, it is crucial to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication with your doctor, as this will help you make an informed decision about its use and any potential impact on you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Severe nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Hair loss
- Bone pain
- Changes in mental status (confusion, irritability)
- Metallic taste in mouth
- Skin flushing or itching
What to Do:
If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention or call a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222). Bring the product packaging with you.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Warfarin (with high doses of Vitamin K or E)
- Tetracycline antibiotics (with calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc)
- Quinolone antibiotics (with calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc)
- Levothyroxine (with calcium, iron)
Moderate Interactions
- Diuretics (e.g., thiazides with calcium, loop diuretics with potassium/magnesium)
- Anticonvulsants (may affect folate, Vitamin D, K levels)
- Bile acid sequestrants (may reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins)
- Orlistat (may reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins)
- Proton pump inhibitors/H2 blockers (may reduce Vitamin B12 absorption)
- Bisphosphonates (with calcium, iron, magnesium)
Minor Interactions
- Alcohol (may affect B vitamin absorption)
- Caffeine (may affect calcium absorption)
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Dietary intake assessment
Rationale: To understand baseline nutritional status and identify potential deficiencies or excesses.
Timing: Prior to initiation of supplementation
Relevant medical history (e.g., renal/hepatic impairment, malabsorption syndromes)
Rationale: To identify conditions that may alter vitamin/mineral requirements or metabolism.
Timing: Prior to initiation of supplementation
Routine Monitoring
General well-being and absence of adverse effects
Frequency: Ongoing
Target: Not applicable
Action Threshold: Report any unusual symptoms or discomfort
Symptoms of deficiency or toxicity (e.g., fatigue, neuropathy, GI upset, skin changes)
Frequency: Ongoing
Target: Not applicable
Action Threshold: If symptoms develop, consult healthcare provider for evaluation and potential dose adjustment or discontinuation.
Symptom Monitoring
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach upset
- Headache
- Unusual fatigue
- Changes in urine color (e.g., bright yellow from B vitamins)
- Signs of allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
This formulation is specifically for seniors and is not intended for use during pregnancy. Pregnant individuals should use a prenatal vitamin specifically formulated to meet the increased nutritional needs during pregnancy, as excessive intake of certain vitamins (e.g., Vitamin A) can be harmful.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
High doses of Vitamin A (retinol) can be teratogenic.
Second Trimester:
Not applicable for this formulation.
Third Trimester:
Not applicable for this formulation.
Lactation
This formulation is specifically for seniors and is not intended for use during lactation. Lactating individuals should use a postnatal or general multivitamin appropriate for their needs, as excessive intake of certain vitamins can be transferred to breast milk.
Infant Risk:
Risk depends on specific vitamin content and dosage; high doses of some vitamins can be harmful to the infant.
Pediatric Use
Not recommended for pediatric use. This product is formulated for adults aged 50 and over. Children have different nutritional requirements and may be sensitive to certain vitamin/mineral levels.
Geriatric Use
This product is specifically formulated for the nutritional needs of older adults (typically 50+ years), often with adjusted levels of certain vitamins (e.g., less iron, more Vitamin D, B12, Calcium) compared to general adult multivitamins.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Advise patients that multivitamins are supplements, not substitutes for a healthy diet.
- Emphasize the importance of taking with food to enhance absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and minimize gastrointestinal upset.
- Educate patients about potential drug-nutrient interactions, especially with anticoagulants, antibiotics, and thyroid hormones.
- Remind patients that 'more is not always better' with vitamins; excessive intake of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) can lead to toxicity.
- Inform patients that bright yellow urine is a common and harmless side effect due to riboflavin (Vitamin B2) excretion.
Alternative Therapies
- Individual vitamin/mineral supplements (e.g., Vitamin D, B12, Calcium)
- Dietary modifications to increase nutrient intake
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$10 - $30 per 100 tablets
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Generally not covered by prescription drug insurance plans as it is an over-the-counter (OTC) dietary supplement.
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication, including the amount taken and the time it happened, to facilitate prompt and effective treatment.