Multigen Folic Tablets

Manufacturer BRECKENRIDGE Active Ingredient Iron, Succinic Acid, Vitamin C, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12(EYE urn/sux IN ic AS id/ VYE ta min C/FOE lik AS id/VYE ta min B 12) Pronunciation EYE-urn / sux-IN-ik AS-id / VYE-tuh-min SEE / FOE-lik AS-id / VYE-tuh-min BEE twelv
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 treat or prevent low iron in the body.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; Hematinic; Vitamin/Mineral Supplement
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Pharmacologic Class
Iron supplement; Folic acid supplement; Vitamin C; Vitamin B12; Metabolic enhancer
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Pregnancy Category
Not assigned for dietary supplements (Individual components: Folic Acid: A, Iron: A/B, Vitamin C: A, Vitamin B12: A)
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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?

Multigen Folic Tablets are a vitamin and mineral supplement containing iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and succinic acid. It's primarily used to prevent or treat deficiencies of these nutrients, especially iron deficiency anemia and certain types of megaloblastic anemia. Iron helps your body make healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen. Folic acid and vitamin B12 are essential for cell growth and blood formation. Vitamin C helps your body absorb the iron, and succinic acid may also aid in this process and support energy.
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How to Use This Medicine

Taking Your Medication Correctly

To get the most benefit from your medication, take it exactly as directed by your doctor. Carefully read all the information provided with your prescription, and follow the instructions closely. For optimal effectiveness, take this medication on an empty stomach. However, if it causes stomach upset, you may take it with food. Certain foods, such as eggs, whole grain bread, cereal, dairy products, coffee, and tea, may interfere with the medication's absorption. If you experience stomach upset, consult your doctor about the best way to take this medication with food.

It's essential to note that this medication can interact with other drugs, preventing them from being absorbed properly. If you're taking other medications, consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine if you should take them at a different time than this medication.

Storing and Disposing of Your Medication

Store your medication at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep it in a dry place, avoiding storage in a bathroom. Ensure that all medications are kept in a safe location, out of the reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so. If you're unsure about the best way to dispose of your medication, consult your pharmacist. You may also want to check if there are drug take-back programs available in your area.

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 scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for the missed one.
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Lifestyle & Tips

  • Take with food if stomach upset occurs, but be aware that some foods (dairy, tea, coffee, high-fiber foods) can reduce iron absorption. Separate by 2 hours if possible.
  • Avoid taking with antacids, calcium supplements, or certain antibiotics (tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones) as they can interfere with iron absorption. Separate by at least 2-4 hours.
  • Drink plenty of water to help prevent constipation, a common side effect of iron.
  • Expect stools to turn dark or black; this is a normal and harmless effect of iron supplementation.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children. Iron overdose is very dangerous for children.
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Available Forms & Alternatives

Dosing & Administration

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Adult Dosing

Standard Dose: Product-specific; typically 1 tablet daily. Doses of individual components vary by formulation (e.g., Iron 27-65 mg elemental, Folic Acid 400-1000 mcg).

Condition-Specific Dosing:

Iron Deficiency Anemia: Higher doses of elemental iron may be prescribed by a healthcare professional, typically 150-200 mg elemental iron daily in divided doses, which would require multiple tablets of this combination product or a higher strength iron-only product.
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Pediatric Dosing

Neonatal: Not established for this combination product. Individual component dosing varies.
Infant: Not established for this combination product. Individual component dosing varies.
Child: Not established for this combination product. Individual component dosing varies. Iron overdose is a significant risk in children.
Adolescent: Product-specific; generally similar to adult doses for supplementation, but higher doses for deficiency should be physician-directed.
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Dose Adjustments

Renal Impairment:

Mild: No specific adjustments typically required for supplementation doses.
Moderate: No specific adjustments typically required for supplementation doses.
Severe: No specific adjustments typically required for supplementation doses. Caution with iron in patients on dialysis due to potential for iron overload if also receiving IV iron.
Dialysis: Monitor iron status closely if receiving other iron sources. Folic acid and B12 may be needed due to dialysis losses.

Hepatic Impairment:

Mild: No specific adjustments typically required.
Moderate: No specific adjustments typically required.
Severe: No specific adjustments typically required. Caution in conditions like hemochromatosis where iron accumulation is a concern.

Pharmacology

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Mechanism of Action

Multigen Folic Tablets provide essential micronutrients. **Iron** is a critical component of hemoglobin, myoglobin, and various enzymes, essential for oxygen transport and cellular respiration. **Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)** is crucial for DNA synthesis, cell division, and red blood cell formation; it works synergistically with Vitamin B12. **Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)** is essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell maturation, and neurological function. **Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)** enhances the absorption of non-heme iron by reducing ferric iron (Fe3+) to ferrous iron (Fe2+), which is more soluble and readily absorbed. It also acts as an antioxidant. **Succinic Acid** is an intermediate in the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), playing a role in cellular energy production. It may also enhance iron absorption and utilization.
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Pharmacokinetics

Absorption:

Bioavailability: Iron: Highly variable (5-35%), influenced by iron status and dietary factors. Folic Acid: High (85-100%). Vitamin C: High at lower doses, decreases with increasing dose. Vitamin B12: Limited (approx. 1-5 mcg per oral dose) due to intrinsic factor dependence.
Tmax: Iron: 2-4 hours. Folic Acid: 1-2 hours. Vitamin C: 2-3 hours. Vitamin B12: 8-12 hours.
FoodEffect: Iron absorption is reduced by food (especially dairy, tea, coffee, high-fiber foods) but taking with food can reduce GI upset. Vitamin C enhances iron absorption. Folic acid and B12 absorption are generally not significantly affected by food, though B12 requires intrinsic factor.

Distribution:

Vd: Iron: Not typically reported as Vd; distributed to hemoglobin, myoglobin, enzymes, and stored as ferritin/hemosiderin. Folic Acid: Widely distributed to all body tissues, concentrated in liver. Vitamin C: Widely distributed. Vitamin B12: Stored primarily in the liver.
ProteinBinding: Iron: Bound to transferrin in plasma. Folic Acid: Highly protein-bound. Vitamin C: Low protein binding. Vitamin B12: Bound to transcobalamins.
CnssPenetration: Iron: Limited. Folic Acid: Yes. Vitamin C: Yes. Vitamin B12: Yes.

Elimination:

HalfLife: Iron: Not applicable (recycled). Folic Acid: 3-4 hours (for unmetabolized folic acid). Vitamin C: 8-40 days (dose-dependent). Vitamin B12: 6 days (biological half-life in tissues).
Clearance: Iron: Minimal excretion; primarily through desquamation of cells. Folic Acid: Renal. Vitamin C: Renal. Vitamin B12: Renal (small amounts), enterohepatic recirculation.
ExcretionRoute: Iron: Fecal (unabsorbed), minimal renal. Folic Acid: Renal. Vitamin C: Renal. Vitamin B12: Renal, biliary.
Unchanged: Iron: Not applicable. Folic Acid: Small amounts. Vitamin C: Significant amounts at high doses. Vitamin B12: Small amounts.
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Pharmacodynamics

OnsetOfAction: Gradual; clinical improvement in anemia symptoms typically seen within weeks, full hematologic response in 1-2 months.
PeakEffect: Hematologic parameters (e.g., hemoglobin) peak after 1-2 months of consistent therapy.
DurationOfAction: Effects persist as long as supplementation continues and stores are maintained. Discontinuation may lead to recurrence of deficiency if underlying cause is not addressed.

Safety & Warnings

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Side Effects

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your 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 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:

Constipation
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Upset stomach
Vomiting
* Change in stool color to green

Reporting Side Effects

This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. 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.
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Vomiting (especially if bloody or coffee-ground like)
  • Diarrhea (especially if bloody)
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Bluish lips or fingernails
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness
  • Signs of allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing)
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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:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
If you have an iron overload in your body.
* If you have certain types of anemia, including pernicious anemia or hemolytic anemia.

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 determine if it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions.

Remember, do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
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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. If you have a soy allergy, consult with your doctor, as some formulations of this drug may contain soy.

Additionally, be aware that this medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests. Therefore, it is crucial to notify all your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this drug.

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.

Before taking this medication, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Your doctor will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby, allowing you to make an informed decision.
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Overdose Information

Overdose Symptoms:

  • Initial symptoms (within 6 hours): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (may be bloody), abdominal pain, lethargy, pallor.
  • Latent phase (6-24 hours): Apparent recovery, but toxicity is progressing.
  • Systemic toxicity (12-48 hours): Metabolic acidosis, shock, liver damage, coagulopathy, cardiovascular collapse, coma, seizures.
  • Delayed effects (weeks): Gastric scarring, stricture formation.

What to Do:

IMMEDIATELY call emergency services (911 in US) or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Do NOT induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention. Treatment may involve gastric lavage, whole bowel irrigation, and chelation therapy (e.g., deferoxamine) for severe iron overdose.

Drug Interactions

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Major Interactions

  • Iron with Tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline): Decreased absorption of both.
  • Iron with Fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin): Decreased absorption of antibiotics.
  • Iron with Levothyroxine: Decreased absorption of levothyroxine.
  • Iron with Mycophenolate mofetil: Decreased absorption of mycophenolate.
  • Folic Acid with Methotrexate: Folic acid can reduce the efficacy of methotrexate (a folate antagonist).
  • Folic Acid with Anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone): Folic acid can decrease anticonvulsant levels, potentially increasing seizure risk. Anticonvulsants can also decrease folate levels.
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Moderate Interactions

  • Iron with Antacids (e.g., calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide): Decreased iron absorption.
  • Iron with Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) / H2 Blockers: Reduced gastric acidity may impair iron absorption.
  • Iron with Calcium supplements: Decreased iron absorption.
  • Iron with Zinc supplements: Decreased absorption of both if taken together.
  • Iron with Cholestyramine: Decreased iron absorption.
  • Vitamin C with Deferoxamine: Increased iron toxicity (cardiac dysfunction) in patients with iron overload.
  • Vitamin B12 with Metformin: Metformin can decrease B12 absorption.
  • Vitamin B12 with Proton Pump Inhibitors / H2 Blockers: Can reduce B12 absorption.
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Minor Interactions

  • Iron with high-fiber foods, tea, coffee: Reduced iron absorption.
  • Vitamin C with Warfarin: High doses of Vitamin C might theoretically alter warfarin effects (though clinical significance is often low).

Monitoring

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Baseline Monitoring

Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differentials

Rationale: To assess for anemia (hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV) and other blood cell abnormalities.

Timing: Prior to initiation, especially if treating deficiency.

Serum Ferritin

Rationale: To assess iron stores. Low ferritin indicates iron deficiency.

Timing: Prior to initiation, especially if treating deficiency.

Serum Iron, Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC), Transferrin Saturation

Rationale: To further characterize iron status.

Timing: Prior to initiation, especially if treating deficiency.

Serum Folate and Vitamin B12 levels

Rationale: To confirm deficiency or rule out other causes of macrocytic anemia.

Timing: Prior to initiation, especially if treating deficiency.

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Routine Monitoring

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Frequency: Every 4-8 weeks initially, then every 3-6 months once stable, or as clinically indicated.

Target: Hemoglobin: Age and sex-specific normal ranges; MCV: 80-100 fL.

Action Threshold: Failure of hemoglobin to rise by 1-2 g/dL after 4 weeks of therapy, or persistent microcytosis/anemia.

Serum Ferritin

Frequency: Every 3-6 months, or as clinically indicated, until iron stores are repleted.

Target: >30-50 ng/mL (to replete stores).

Action Threshold: Ferritin not increasing, or signs of iron overload (rare with supplementation doses).

Symptom assessment (fatigue, pallor, pica, shortness of breath)

Frequency: At each clinical visit.

Target: Improvement or resolution of symptoms.

Action Threshold: Persistent or worsening symptoms despite therapy.

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Symptom Monitoring

  • Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, constipation, diarrhea, dark stools)
  • Abdominal pain
  • Fatigue
  • Pallor
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pica (craving for non-food items)
  • Glossitis (sore tongue)
  • Neurological symptoms (numbness, tingling, gait instability - for B12 deficiency)

Special Patient Groups

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Pregnancy

Often recommended and crucial during pregnancy. Folic acid supplementation is vital to prevent neural tube defects, and iron is frequently needed to prevent or treat iron deficiency anemia due to increased maternal blood volume and fetal demands. Vitamin B12 and C are also important for maternal and fetal health.

Trimester-Specific Risks:

First Trimester: Folic acid supplementation is most critical in the periconceptional period and first trimester to prevent neural tube defects. Iron needs increase throughout pregnancy.
Second Trimester: Continued iron and folic acid supplementation is important as fetal growth accelerates and maternal blood volume expands.
Third Trimester: Iron needs are highest in the third trimester. Continued supplementation of all components is generally safe and beneficial.
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Lactation

Generally safe and often recommended during lactation. Iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin C are transferred into breast milk in varying amounts, but typically not enough to cause harm to the infant. Supplementation helps meet maternal nutritional needs and supports infant development.

Infant Risk: L1 (Safest) for individual components at typical supplementation doses. No known adverse effects on breastfed infants when taken by the mother at recommended doses.
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Pediatric Use

Iron overdose is a leading cause of poisoning fatalities in young children. This product should be stored safely out of reach. Dosing for children must be carefully determined by a healthcare professional based on age, weight, and specific deficiency. Not typically recommended for general pediatric use without medical supervision.

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Geriatric Use

Older adults may have increased risk of nutritional deficiencies (e.g., B12 due to malabsorption, iron due to chronic conditions or poor diet). This combination can be beneficial. However, caution is advised due to potential for polypharmacy and drug interactions (e.g., with antacids, PPIs, levothyroxine). Monitor for GI side effects and iron overload if other iron sources are present.

Clinical Information

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Clinical Pearls

  • Advise patients to take iron supplements with a glass of water or orange juice (due to Vitamin C) on an empty stomach for best absorption, but with food if GI upset occurs.
  • Educate patients that dark or black stools are a normal side effect of iron and not a cause for concern unless accompanied by other symptoms like blood in stool.
  • Emphasize the critical importance of storing iron-containing products out of reach of children due to the high risk of fatal overdose.
  • For patients with known B12 deficiency, ensure adequate intrinsic factor or consider parenteral B12 if absorption is compromised.
  • Succinic acid's primary role here is likely to enhance iron absorption and provide general metabolic support, rather than a standalone therapeutic effect.
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Alternative Therapies

  • Dietary modifications to increase iron, folate, and B12 intake (e.g., red meat, leafy greens, fortified cereals)
  • Intravenous iron for severe iron deficiency or malabsorption
  • Parenteral vitamin B12 for severe deficiency or malabsorption
  • Blood transfusion for severe, symptomatic anemia
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Cost & Coverage

Average Cost: $10 - $50 per 30 tablets
Generic Available: Yes
Insurance Coverage: Often covered by insurance as a prescription if medically necessary (e.g., for anemia), but may be out-of-pocket as an OTC supplement.
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General Drug Facts

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is 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 it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with 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 detailed information about the overdose, including the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.