One-Daily Multi Vitamins 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 Instructions
You can take this medication with or without food. If it causes stomach upset, taking it with food may help.
For optimal absorption, take this medication at bedtime. If you have questions about the best time to take your medication, 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.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is 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 enhance absorption and reduce stomach upset.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose, as excessive intake of some vitamins can be harmful.
- Multi-vitamins are supplements, not substitutes for a balanced and healthy diet.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.
- Inform your healthcare provider about all supplements you are taking, especially if you are on other medications or have underlying health conditions.
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 persist, contact your doctor for guidance:
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 nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea or severe constipation
- Unusual fatigue or weakness
- Headache or dizziness
- Skin rash, itching, or hives
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Bone or joint pain
- Hair loss
- Changes in vision
- Any signs of allergic reaction (swelling of face/tongue/throat, difficulty breathing)
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following conditions to ensure safe treatment:
Any allergies you have to this medication, its components, or other substances, including foods and drugs. Describe the allergic reaction you experienced, such as symptoms and signs.
Certain types of anemia, including pernicious anemia, which is characterized by a lack of vitamin B12 in the body.
If you are taking levodopa, as it may interact with this medication.
If you are taking mineral oil, as it may affect the absorption of this medication.
* If your product contains iron:
+ If you have an excess 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, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help you determine if it is safe to take this medication with your existing treatments and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dose 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 administering this medication to children, note that different brands may be suitable for different age groups. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with your doctor before giving this medication to a child to ensure you are using the correct brand and dosage.
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 taking this medication to you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
- Headache, dizziness, blurred vision
- Fatigue, muscle weakness
- Skin changes (dryness, peeling, yellowing)
- Bone pain, joint swelling
- Hair loss
- Liver damage (from excessive Vitamin A)
- Kidney stones, hypercalcemia (from excessive Vitamin D or Calcium)
- Increased bleeding risk (from excessive Vitamin E)
- Nerve damage (from excessive Vitamin B6)
What to Do:
If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention or call a poison control center (1-800-222-1222 in the U.S.). Bring the product packaging with you. Treatment is supportive and may involve gastric decontamination, hydration, and monitoring of vital signs and specific vitamin/mineral levels.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Warfarin (Coumadin) + Vitamin K: Vitamin K can reduce the anticoagulant effect of warfarin.
- Tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline, minocycline) + Iron/Calcium/Magnesium/Zinc: These minerals can chelate tetracyclines, reducing their absorption.
- Fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin) + Iron/Calcium/Magnesium/Zinc: These minerals can chelate fluoroquinolones, reducing their absorption.
- Levothyroxine (Synthroid) + Calcium/Iron: Calcium and iron can impair levothyroxine absorption.
Moderate Interactions
- Anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin, phenobarbital) + Folic Acid/Vitamin D: May alter metabolism or increase requirements for these vitamins.
- Diuretics (e.g., thiazides, loop diuretics) + Calcium/Potassium/Magnesium: May alter excretion of these minerals.
- Bile Acid Sequestrants (e.g., cholestyramine) + Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K): May reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
- Orlistat (Xenical) + Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K): May reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole) + Vitamin B12/Magnesium: May reduce absorption of Vitamin B12 and magnesium.
- Metformin + Vitamin B12: May reduce Vitamin B12 absorption.
- Anticoagulants (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel) + Vitamin E (high doses): May increase risk of bleeding.
Minor Interactions
- Alcohol + B vitamins: Chronic alcohol consumption can deplete B vitamins.
- Caffeine + Calcium: May slightly increase calcium excretion.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To determine if supplementation is truly needed or if dietary changes are sufficient.
Timing: Prior to starting supplementation, especially if specific deficiencies are suspected.
Rationale: If there are clinical signs of deficiency or specific risk factors, to identify existing deficiencies.
Timing: As clinically indicated, before starting supplementation.
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Ongoing, at routine check-ups
Target: Improved energy, reduced fatigue, absence of deficiency symptoms
Action Threshold: Development of new symptoms, worsening of existing symptoms, or signs of toxicity (e.g., nausea, vomiting, headache, skin changes).
Symptom Monitoring
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Skin rash or itching
- Unusual fatigue or weakness
- Changes in urine color (e.g., bright yellow from riboflavin)
- Signs of hypervitaminosis (e.g., bone pain, hair loss, dry skin for Vitamin A; hypercalcemia for Vitamin D)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Essential vitamins and minerals are crucial during pregnancy for maternal and fetal health. However, it is critical to use a specific prenatal vitamin formulation, as excessive intake of certain vitamins (e.g., Vitamin A in its retinol form) can be teratogenic. Consult a healthcare provider for appropriate prenatal supplementation.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Generally safe and beneficial at recommended doses. Many vitamins are excreted in breast milk, providing essential nutrients to the infant. Consult a healthcare provider for appropriate supplementation during lactation.
Pediatric Use
Age-appropriate multi-vitamin formulations are available for infants, children, and adolescents. Dosing varies significantly by age and specific product. Always use products specifically designed for children and follow recommended dosages to avoid toxicity.
Geriatric Use
Older adults may have increased needs for certain vitamins (e.g., Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 due to decreased absorption) and minerals. Multi-vitamins can be beneficial, but specific formulations tailored for seniors may be more appropriate. Consult a healthcare provider.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Multi-vitamins are intended to supplement, not replace, a healthy diet. Emphasize dietary sources of nutrients first.
- Advise patients to take multi-vitamins with food to improve absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and reduce gastrointestinal upset.
- Educate patients on the importance of not exceeding the recommended dose, especially for fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) which can accumulate and cause toxicity.
- Be aware of potential drug-nutrient interactions, particularly with anticoagulants (Vitamin K), antibiotics (minerals), and thyroid hormones (calcium/iron).
- For specific deficiencies, targeted single-vitamin supplementation may be more appropriate than a multi-vitamin.
- Patients on specific diets (e.g., vegan, restrictive diets) or with malabsorption syndromes may have higher needs for multi-vitamin supplementation.
Alternative Therapies
- Dietary modifications to increase nutrient intake
- Individual vitamin or mineral supplements (e.g., Vitamin D, B12, Iron, Calcium)
- Herbal supplements (caution advised, not regulated like vitamins)