Certavite W/antioxidants Tablets
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
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.
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.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
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.
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
Before Using This Medicine
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.
Precautions & Cautions
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.
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
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).
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).
Minor Interactions
- Alcohol with B vitamins (increased excretion).
- Caffeine with calcium (increased excretion).
Monitoring
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
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:
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.
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.
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
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.
Alternative Therapies
- Dietary modifications to increase nutrient intake
- Individual vitamin/mineral supplements (e.g., Vitamin D, B12, Iron)
- Specific prenatal or geriatric vitamin formulations