Certavite W/antioxidantstablets
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 your medication with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, try taking it with food.
For best results, take your medication at bedtime. If you have questions about the timing, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Special Instructions for Extended-Release Products
Swallow extended-release tablets or capsules whole. Do not chew, break, or crush them.
Measuring Liquid Medication
Measure liquid doses carefully using the measuring device that comes with your medication. If one is not provided, ask your pharmacist for a device to measure your medication accurately.
Chewable Tablets
Chew chewable tablets well before swallowing.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store your medication at room temperature in a dry place, away from the bathroom.
Protect your medication from heat and light.
Keep all medications in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
If it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
* Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take with food to improve absorption, especially for fat-soluble vitamins, and to reduce stomach upset.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose unless advised by a healthcare professional.
- Maintain a balanced diet as supplements are not a substitute for healthy eating.
- 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
Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects not mentioned here. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult 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 upset, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing)
- Unusual fatigue, muscle weakness, or bone pain (potential signs of hypervitaminosis)
- Changes in vision or skin color
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 change 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 may contain soy. Additionally, 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 administering this medication to a child, it is crucial to consult with your doctor first, as different brands may be suitable for different age groups.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor. You and your doctor will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
- Headache, dizziness, blurred vision
- Fatigue, muscle weakness
- Hair loss, dry skin, cracked lips (Vitamin A toxicity)
- Hypercalcemia (excess calcium from Vitamin D toxicity)
- Peripheral neuropathy (high dose Vitamin B6 toxicity)
- Liver damage (high dose niacin or Vitamin A)
What to Do:
Discontinue use immediately. Seek emergency medical attention. Call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) with Vitamin K (can reduce anticoagulant effect)
- Tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, minocycline) with calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc (reduced antibiotic absorption)
- Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin) with calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc (reduced antibiotic absorption)
- Retinoids (e.g., isotretinoin, acitretin) with high-dose Vitamin A (increased risk of hypervitaminosis A)
Moderate Interactions
- Antiplatelet drugs (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel) and Anticoagulants (e.g., heparin, dabigatran) with high-dose Vitamin E (potential increased bleeding risk)
- Diuretics (e.g., thiazides, loop diuretics) with certain minerals (e.g., potassium, magnesium, calcium - can alter levels)
- Proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole) and H2 blockers (e.g., ranitidine) with Vitamin B12 (reduced absorption)
- Levothyroxine (Synthroid) with calcium, iron (reduced thyroid hormone absorption)
- Phenytoin (Dilantin) with folic acid (reduced phenytoin levels, reduced folic acid efficacy)
- Methotrexate with folic acid (folic acid can reduce methotrexate efficacy, but often co-administered to reduce side effects)
Minor Interactions
- Orlistat (Xenical, Alli) with fat-soluble vitamins (reduced absorption of A, D, E, K)
- Cholestyramine (Questran) with fat-soluble vitamins (reduced absorption of A, D, E, K)
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To determine if supplementation is necessary or if dietary changes are sufficient.
Timing: Prior to starting supplementation
Rationale: To confirm deficiency and guide specific supplementation.
Timing: Prior to starting supplementation
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Ongoing
Target: Absence of symptoms
Action Threshold: Development of new or worsening symptoms
Frequency: Regularly
Target: Consistent daily intake
Action Threshold: Missed doses or inconsistent use
Symptom Monitoring
- Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, constipation, diarrhea)
- Headache
- Skin rash or flushing
- Unusual fatigue or weakness
- Changes in urine color (e.g., bright yellow from B vitamins)
- Signs of hypervitaminosis (e.g., blurred vision, hair loss, bone pain for Vitamin A; hypercalcemia for Vitamin D)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Generally safe and often recommended (e.g., prenatal vitamins containing folic acid) at recommended doses. However, high doses of certain vitamins, particularly Vitamin A (retinol form), can be teratogenic. Consult a healthcare provider for appropriate prenatal supplementation.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Generally safe and often beneficial at recommended doses. Vitamins are excreted in breast milk, providing nutrients to the infant. High doses of certain vitamins should be avoided.
Pediatric Use
Specific pediatric formulations are available and recommended for children. Dosing must be age-appropriate to avoid toxicity, especially with fat-soluble vitamins and iron. Consult a pediatrician before administering multi-vitamins to children.
Geriatric Use
May have increased needs for certain vitamins (e.g., Vitamin B12 due to malabsorption, Vitamin D due to reduced skin synthesis and dietary intake). May also be at higher risk for drug-nutrient interactions due to polypharmacy. Consult a healthcare provider.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Multi-vitamins are intended to supplement, not replace, a healthy diet.
- Take with food to enhance absorption and minimize gastrointestinal upset.
- Be aware of specific vitamin/mineral content, especially if taking other supplements or medications, to avoid excessive intake or interactions.
- Patients with specific deficiencies or medical conditions may require targeted single-vitamin supplements rather than a general multi-vitamin.
- Educate patients that 'more is not always better' with vitamins, as excessive intake of certain vitamins (especially fat-soluble ones) can be harmful.
Alternative Therapies
- Dietary modifications to increase intake of nutrient-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins)
- Targeted single-vitamin or mineral supplements for specific deficiencies (e.g., Vitamin D, Iron, B12)