One Daily Multi-Vitamin Tablets
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
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.
Administration Guidelines
You can take this medication with or without food. If it causes stomach upset, taking it with food may help.
For optimal absorption, it's best to 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 Formulation: Measure the liquid dose accurately using the provided measuring device. If one is not included, ask your pharmacist for a suitable measuring device.
* Chewable Tablets: Chew the tablets thoroughly before swallowing.
Storage and Disposal
Store your medication at room temperature in a dry location, away from the bathroom. Protect it from heat and light. Keep all medications in a secure place, out of the reach of children and pets.
Missed Dose Instructions
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.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take with food to improve absorption and reduce stomach upset.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose unless advised by a healthcare professional.
- Multi-vitamins are supplements and should not replace a balanced and varied diet.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and moisture, 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 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
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 mild 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
+ Green-colored stools
+ Stomach pain
Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns, 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.
- Signs of an allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
- Unusual fatigue, headache, blurred vision, or bone pain (rare, may indicate excessive intake of certain vitamins, especially fat-soluble ones).
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following conditions before starting this medication:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this drug, its components, or other substances, and describe the symptoms you experienced.
Certain types of anemia, such as pernicious anemia, where the body lacks sufficient vitamin B12.
If you are taking levodopa.
If you are taking mineral oil.
* If your product contains iron:
+ If you have an excessive amount of iron in your body.
+ If you have 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 issues with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine if it is safe to take this medication with your other drugs and health conditions. 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 may 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 administration of this medication to a child, it is important to note that different brands may be approved for use in different age groups. Before giving this drug to a child, consult with your doctor to ensure you are using the appropriate brand and dosage for the child's age.
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 to make an informed decision.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Symptoms vary depending on the specific vitamin(s) consumed in excess. Common signs can include severe gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), headache, dizziness, fatigue, skin changes, and in severe cases, more serious effects like liver damage (Vitamin A), kidney stones (Vitamin C, D), or nerve damage (Vitamin B6).
- Iron overdose is particularly dangerous, especially in children, and can cause severe gastrointestinal bleeding, shock, and organ damage.
What to Do:
If an overdose is suspected, immediately contact a poison control center (1-800-222-1222 in the US) or seek emergency medical attention. Bring the product packaging with you.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Warfarin (Coumadin) + Vitamin K: Vitamin K can reduce the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, increasing the risk of blood clots. Patients on warfarin should maintain consistent Vitamin K intake and consult their physician before starting or stopping multi-vitamins.
- Levodopa (L-Dopa) + Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6): High doses of Vitamin B6 (above 5-10 mg) can reduce the efficacy of levodopa by increasing its peripheral metabolism, unless a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor (e.g., carbidopa) is co-administered.
Moderate Interactions
- Tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, minocycline) + Calcium/Iron/Magnesium/Zinc: These minerals can chelate tetracyclines, reducing their absorption and efficacy. Separate administration by at least 2-4 hours.
- Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin) + Calcium/Iron/Magnesium/Zinc: Similar to tetracyclines, these minerals can chelate fluoroquinolones, reducing their absorption. Separate administration by at least 2-4 hours.
- Thyroid hormones (e.g., levothyroxine) + Calcium/Iron: Calcium and iron can impair the absorption of thyroid hormones. Separate administration by at least 4 hours.
- Bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate) + Calcium/Iron/Magnesium: These minerals can interfere with bisphosphonate absorption. Separate administration by at least 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Diuretics (e.g., thiazides, loop diuretics) + various vitamins/minerals: Some diuretics can affect the excretion or retention of certain electrolytes (e.g., potassium, magnesium, calcium) or vitamins (e.g., thiamine).
- Retinoids (e.g., isotretinoin, acitretin) + Vitamin A: Concomitant use can increase the risk of Vitamin A toxicity (hypervitaminosis A).
Minor Interactions
- Orlistat + Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K): Orlistat reduces fat absorption, which can impair the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Administer multi-vitamins at least 2 hours before or after orlistat, or at bedtime.
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) / H2 Blockers + Vitamin B12: Long-term use of acid-reducing medications can impair the absorption of Vitamin B12 due to reduced gastric acid production.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To determine if a multi-vitamin is necessary to supplement an inadequate diet.
Timing: Prior to initiation, especially if concerns about nutritional status exist.
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Ongoing
Target: Not applicable
Action Threshold: Development of new symptoms or worsening of existing conditions that may indicate deficiency or excess.
Frequency: Ongoing
Target: Not applicable
Action Threshold: Occurrence of any adverse effects.
Symptom Monitoring
- Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, constipation, diarrhea)
- Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing)
- Symptoms of hypervitaminosis (rare at recommended doses, but can include headache, fatigue, blurred vision, bone pain, hair loss, liver dysfunction, nerve damage depending on specific vitamin excess)
- Symptoms of specific vitamin deficiencies if not adequately addressed by the multi-vitamin (e.g., fatigue, weakness, skin changes, neurological symptoms)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Generally safe and often recommended, especially prenatal multi-vitamins specifically formulated for pregnancy. These typically contain higher levels of folic acid and iron. However, excessive intake of certain vitamins (e.g., Vitamin A in its retinol form) can be teratogenic. Always consult a healthcare provider before taking any supplements during pregnancy.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Generally safe and often recommended to support maternal nutritional needs and ensure adequate nutrient transfer to breast milk. Specific postnatal multi-vitamins are available. Consult a healthcare provider.
Pediatric Use
Age-appropriate formulations and dosages are crucial. Children have different nutritional needs than adults, and some adult multi-vitamins may contain excessive amounts of certain vitamins/minerals for children, potentially leading to toxicity (e.g., iron poisoning). Always use products specifically designed for children and follow dosing instructions carefully.
Geriatric Use
Generally safe and may be beneficial as older adults may have altered absorption, increased needs (e.g., Vitamin B12, Vitamin D), or reduced dietary intake. However, caution with high doses of certain vitamins (e.g., Vitamin A) due to potential for accumulation or interactions with medications. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Multi-vitamins are intended to supplement, not replace, a healthy and balanced diet.
- The 'best' multi-vitamin varies by individual needs, age, sex, and specific dietary gaps. Consider consulting a healthcare professional or registered dietitian.
- Pay attention to the 'USP Verified' mark or other third-party certifications (e.g., NSF, ConsumerLab) to ensure product quality, purity, and accurate labeling, as dietary supplements are not as strictly regulated as prescription drugs.
- Be aware of potential interactions with prescription medications, especially anticoagulants (warfarin), certain antibiotics, and thyroid hormones.
- Iron-containing multi-vitamins should be kept out of reach of children due to the risk of accidental iron poisoning.
Alternative Therapies
- Dietary modifications to increase intake of nutrient-rich foods.
- Targeted single vitamin or mineral supplements for specific deficiencies (e.g., Vitamin D, B12, Iron).
- Fortified foods (e.g., cereals, milk).