Certavite W/antioxidants Tablets

Manufacturer MAJOR PHARMACEUTICALS Active Ingredient Vitamins (Multiple/Oral)(VYE ta mins, MUL ti pul/OR al) Pronunciation VYE-tuh-mins, MUL-tih-pul/OR-uhl
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.
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Drug Class
Nutritional Supplement; Vitamin Supplement
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Pharmacologic Class
Multivitamin; Antioxidant
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Pregnancy Category
Not classified (Consult physician; specific vitamins may have categories A/B/C)
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FDA Approved
Jan 1970
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DEA Schedule
Not Controlled

Overview

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What is this medicine?

Certavite W/antioxidants Tablets are a daily supplement containing a blend of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients are vital for your body's normal functioning, helping with energy, immunity, and protecting your cells from damage. It's designed to fill nutritional gaps in your diet.
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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 upsets your stomach, try taking it with food.
For best results, 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 liquid 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.
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Lifestyle & Tips

  • Take with food to improve absorption and reduce stomach upset.
  • Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Do not exceed the recommended dose unless advised by a healthcare professional.
  • Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.

Dosing & Administration

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Adult Dosing

Standard Dose: 1 tablet orally once daily
Dose Range: 1 - 1 mg

Condition-Specific Dosing:

general_health_maintenance: 1 tablet orally once daily with food
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Pediatric Dosing

Neonatal: Not established (Use specific pediatric formulations)
Infant: Not established (Use specific pediatric formulations)
Child: Not established (Use specific pediatric formulations)
Adolescent: Not established (Consult physician; may use adult dose if appropriate for weight/age, or specific adolescent formulations)
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Dose Adjustments

Renal Impairment:

Mild: No specific adjustment typically needed for standard doses.
Moderate: No specific adjustment typically needed for standard doses. Monitor for accumulation of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) or water-soluble vitamins (e.g., Vitamin C) at high doses.
Severe: Consult physician. High doses of certain vitamins (e.g., Vitamin A, C) may be contraindicated or require significant dose reduction due to accumulation.
Dialysis: Consult physician. Specific vitamin needs may vary; some vitamins may be dialyzed, others may accumulate.

Hepatic Impairment:

Mild: No specific adjustment typically needed.
Moderate: No specific adjustment typically needed. Monitor for accumulation of fat-soluble vitamins if severe cholestasis is present.
Severe: No specific adjustment typically needed, but monitor for fat-soluble vitamin absorption issues if malabsorption is present.

Pharmacology

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Mechanism of Action

Certavite W/antioxidants Tablets provide a combination of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds. These active ingredients serve as cofactors for numerous enzymatic reactions, participate in metabolic pathways, support cellular function, and help protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. They are crucial for maintaining overall health, immune function, energy production, and tissue repair.
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Pharmacokinetics

Absorption:

Bioavailability: Highly variable depending on individual vitamin/mineral, formulation, and presence of food. Generally, water-soluble vitamins are well-absorbed, while fat-soluble vitamins require dietary fat for optimal absorption.
Tmax: Highly variable (minutes to hours depending on specific component).
FoodEffect: Absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) is enhanced by food, especially fatty meals. Some minerals (e.g., iron) may be better absorbed on an empty stomach but are often taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset. Water-soluble vitamins are generally not significantly affected by food, though some may be better tolerated with food.

Distribution:

Vd: Highly variable; distributed throughout body tissues and fluids.
ProteinBinding: Highly variable; some vitamins (e.g., Vitamin D, A) are extensively protein-bound, while others (e.g., Vitamin C, B vitamins) are not.
CnssPenetration: Limited for some, adequate for others (e.g., B vitamins, Vitamin C) to support neurological function.

Elimination:

HalfLife: Highly variable (minutes to days/months depending on specific component and body stores).
Clearance: Highly variable.
ExcretionRoute: Renal (water-soluble vitamins, some minerals); Biliary/Fecal (fat-soluble vitamins, some minerals).
Unchanged: Highly variable.
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Pharmacodynamics

OnsetOfAction: Not acutely measurable for chronic supplementation; benefits accrue over weeks to months with consistent use.
PeakEffect: Not acutely measurable.
DurationOfAction: Benefits are sustained with continuous daily intake; body stores of some vitamins (e.g., B12, D) can last for extended periods.

Safety & Warnings

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Side Effects

Serious 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 that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor:

Common to all products:
+ Upset stomach or vomiting
If your product contains iron:
+ Diarrhea or constipation
+ Change in stool color to green
+ Stomach pain

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. For medical advice about side effects, you can also contact your doctor. Additionally, you can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:

  • Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Headache or dizziness
  • Unusual fatigue or weakness
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
  • Muscle weakness or pain
  • Changes in urination (increased frequency, dark urine)
  • Skin rash or itching
  • Metallic taste in mouth
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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. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced.
Certain types of anemia, such as pernicious anemia, which is characterized by a lack of vitamin B12 in the body.
If you are currently taking levodopa.
If you are taking mineral oil.
* 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 (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health conditions with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help you determine if it is safe to take this medication with your other treatments. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without consulting your doctor first.
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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 it comes to administering this medication to children, note that different brands may be suitable for different age groups. Before giving this drug to a child, consult with their doctor to ensure you are using the appropriate brand and dosage.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor. It is necessary to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby, allowing you to make an informed decision about its use.
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Overdose Information

Overdose Symptoms:

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
  • Headache, dizziness, blurred vision
  • Fatigue, irritability
  • Skin flushing, itching, rash
  • Muscle weakness, joint pain
  • Hair loss (with excessive Vitamin A)
  • Liver damage (with excessive Vitamin A)
  • Kidney stones (with excessive Vitamin C or D)
  • Hypercalcemia (with excessive Vitamin D or calcium)
  • Iron poisoning (especially in children, can be fatal)

What to Do:

If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention or call a poison control center (1-800-222-1222) right away. Bring the product container with you.

Drug Interactions

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Major Interactions

  • Warfarin (Coumadin) with high doses of Vitamin K (decreased anticoagulant effect).
  • Warfarin (Coumadin) with high doses of Vitamin E (increased anticoagulant effect).
  • Tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline) or Quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin) with iron, calcium, or magnesium (decreased antibiotic absorption).
  • Levothyroxine (Synthroid) with calcium or iron (decreased thyroid hormone absorption).
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Moderate Interactions

  • Antacids or Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) with iron or Vitamin B12 (decreased absorption).
  • Diuretics (e.g., thiazides) with calcium (increased risk of hypercalcemia).
  • Cholestyramine or Orlistat with fat-soluble vitamins (decreased absorption).
  • Methotrexate with folic acid (may reduce methotrexate efficacy if folic acid is given in high doses, though often co-administered to reduce side effects).
  • Phenytoin with folic acid (decreased phenytoin levels) or Vitamin D (decreased Vitamin D levels).
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Minor Interactions

  • Alcohol with B vitamins (increased excretion).
  • Caffeine with calcium (increased excretion).

Monitoring

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Symptom Monitoring

  • Symptoms of vitamin deficiency (e.g., fatigue, skin changes, neurological symptoms)
  • Symptoms of vitamin toxicity/overdose (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, skin flushing, nerve damage, hypercalcemia, liver dysfunction)
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising (if high doses of Vitamin E are included)
  • Gastrointestinal upset

Special Patient Groups

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Pregnancy

Consult a healthcare professional before use. While many vitamins are essential during pregnancy, high doses of certain vitamins (e.g., Vitamin A in retinol form) can be harmful. Specific prenatal vitamins are formulated to meet the unique needs of pregnant women.

Trimester-Specific Risks:

First Trimester: High doses of Vitamin A (retinol) are teratogenic. Folic acid is crucial to prevent neural tube defects.
Second Trimester: Generally safe with appropriate doses; continued need for essential nutrients.
Third Trimester: Generally safe with appropriate doses; continued need for essential nutrients.
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Lactation

Generally considered safe at recommended doses, as vitamins are naturally present in breast milk. However, consult a healthcare professional to ensure appropriate dosing and avoid excessive intake.

Infant Risk: Low risk with typical doses. High maternal doses of certain vitamins could potentially lead to high levels in breast milk, but this is rare with standard multivitamin use.
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Pediatric Use

This specific product is generally not recommended for children. Pediatric-specific multivitamin formulations are available and should be used under the guidance of a pediatrician to ensure appropriate dosing and avoid toxicity, especially with iron and fat-soluble vitamins.

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Geriatric Use

Older adults may have increased needs for certain vitamins (e.g., Vitamin D, B12) due to decreased absorption or synthesis. However, they may also be more susceptible to toxicity from high doses of fat-soluble vitamins. Consult a healthcare professional to determine appropriate supplementation.

Clinical Information

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Clinical Pearls

  • Multivitamins are intended to supplement, not replace, a healthy diet.
  • Absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) is best when taken with a meal containing some fat.
  • Iron-containing multivitamins should be kept out of reach of children, as iron overdose can be fatal.
  • Patients on anticoagulant therapy (e.g., warfarin) should be cautious with multivitamins containing Vitamin K and Vitamin E, and should inform their healthcare provider.
  • Inform your healthcare provider about all supplements you are taking, especially before any surgery or new medication.
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Alternative Therapies

  • Dietary modifications to increase nutrient intake
  • Individual vitamin/mineral supplements (e.g., Vitamin D, B12, Iron)
  • Specific prenatal or geriatric vitamin formulations
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Cost & Coverage

Average Cost: $10 - $30 per 30 tablets
Generic Available: Yes
Insurance Coverage: Often Over-The-Counter (OTC) and not covered by most insurance plans unless prescribed for a specific medical condition (e.g., bariatric surgery, specific deficiencies).
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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 medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.