Tab-A-vite With Iron Tablets
WARNING: If your product has iron in it: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 help growth and good health.It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
Drug Class
Nutritional Supplement
Pharmacologic Class
Multivitamin with Minerals
Pregnancy Category
Not applicable (Dietary Supplement), generally safe and often recommended, but specific prenatal formulations exist.
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Multivitamins with iron are dietary supplements that provide a combination of essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, that your body needs to function properly. They are used to prevent or treat vitamin and mineral deficiencies and support overall health.
How to Use This Medicine
Taking Your Medication Correctly
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 causes stomach upset, take it with food.
For best absorption, 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. Do not store 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.
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 causes stomach upset, take it with food.
For best absorption, 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. Do not store 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.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose, especially for iron, as overdose can be dangerous.
- Store out of reach of children, as iron overdose is a leading cause of poisoning in young children.
- Maintain a balanced diet as supplements are not a substitute for healthy eating.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
One tablet daily, or as directed by a healthcare professional.
Dose Range:
1 - 1 mg
Condition-Specific Dosing:
general_supplementation:
One tablet daily with food to enhance absorption and minimize gastrointestinal upset.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established (specific infant formulations required)
Infant:
Not established (specific infant formulations required)
Child:
Product-specific; consult product label or pediatrician. Iron overdose is a significant risk in children.
Adolescent:
Product-specific; consult product label or pediatrician. Often similar to adult dosing for older adolescents.
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
Generally no specific adjustment.
Moderate:
Generally no specific adjustment, but caution with iron and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) in advanced stages.
Severe:
Use with caution. Avoid excessive iron, potassium, and phosphorus. Consult a nephrologist.
Dialysis:
Specific vitamin/mineral supplementation tailored to dialysis patients is often required; consult a nephrologist.
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
Generally no specific adjustment.
Moderate:
Generally no specific adjustment.
Severe:
Generally no specific adjustment, but monitor for fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies or excesses.
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Multivitamins with iron provide essential vitamins and minerals that are crucial for various metabolic processes, cellular functions, and overall health. Vitamins act as coenzymes or cofactors in enzymatic reactions, while minerals serve structural, catalytic, and regulatory roles. Iron is a vital component of hemoglobin, essential for oxygen transport, and also plays a role in energy metabolism.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Variable (depends on specific vitamin/mineral, formulation, and presence of food/other compounds). Iron absorption is typically 5-15%, but can increase in deficiency.
Tmax:
Variable (generally 1-4 hours for most water-soluble vitamins and minerals, longer for fat-soluble vitamins).
FoodEffect:
Absorption of many vitamins and minerals (especially iron) is enhanced when taken with food, while some may be inhibited by specific food components (e.g., phytates, oxalates).
Distribution:
Vd:
Variable (water-soluble vitamins distribute in body water, fat-soluble vitamins stored in adipose tissue and liver).
ProteinBinding:
Variable (some vitamins/minerals bind to transport proteins, e.g., iron to transferrin).
CnssPenetration:
Limited for many, but some (e.g., B vitamins) are essential for neurological function and cross the blood-brain barrier.
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Variable (minutes to days for water-soluble vitamins, weeks to months for fat-soluble vitamins). Iron is primarily conserved and recycled, with minimal excretion.
Clearance:
Variable (renal for water-soluble vitamins, biliary/fecal for fat-soluble vitamins).
ExcretionRoute:
Renal (water-soluble vitamins), Biliary/Fecal (fat-soluble vitamins, unabsorbed minerals).
Unchanged:
Variable (high for water-soluble vitamins, low for fat-soluble vitamins).
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Not acutely defined; benefits are typically observed with chronic supplementation.
PeakEffect:
Not acutely defined; reflects sustained nutritional support.
DurationOfAction:
Not acutely defined; reflects ongoing physiological processes.
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Although rare, some individuals may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you encounter 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
Important Note
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.
Although rare, some individuals may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you encounter 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
Important Note
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 pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (especially with overdose)
- Black, tarry stools (can be normal with iron, but report if accompanied by other severe symptoms)
- Allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing)
- Signs of iron overdose: severe fatigue, joint pain, abdominal pain, heart problems, liver damage (chronic overdose)
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 conditions to ensure safe use of 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 excessive 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 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 change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following conditions to ensure safe use of 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 excessive 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 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 change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. This drug may impact the results of certain laboratory tests, so be sure to notify your healthcare providers and lab personnel that you are taking it.
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 (FD&C Yellow No. 5), discuss this with your doctor, as some products may contain this ingredient.
When considering administering this drug to a child, it is crucial to consult with the doctor first, as different brands of this medication 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 taking this medication to ensure the best outcome for both you and your baby.
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 (FD&C Yellow No. 5), discuss this with your doctor, as some products may contain this ingredient.
When considering administering this drug to a child, it is crucial to consult with the doctor first, as different brands of this medication 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 taking this medication to ensure the best outcome for both you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Bloody stools
- Lethargy
- Pale or bluish skin
- Weak, rapid pulse
- Low blood pressure
- Seizures
- Coma
- Liver damage (delayed)
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Management may include gastric lavage, chelation therapy (e.g., deferoxamine) for iron, and supportive care.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Levothyroxine (iron can decrease absorption)
- Tetracycline antibiotics (iron can chelate and decrease absorption)
- Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (iron can chelate and decrease absorption)
- Bisphosphonates (iron can decrease absorption)
- Mycophenolate mofetil (iron can decrease absorption)
- Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) with high doses of Vitamin K (can reduce anticoagulant effect)
Moderate Interactions
- Antacids, PPIs, H2 blockers (can reduce iron absorption due to increased gastric pH)
- Cholestyramine, colestipol (can reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins)
- Orlistat (can reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins)
- Phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone (can increase metabolism of Vitamin D and folic acid)
- Diuretics (thiazide diuretics can increase calcium reabsorption; loop diuretics can increase excretion of calcium, magnesium, potassium)
- Zinc supplements (high doses can interfere with copper and iron absorption)
- Calcium supplements (can interfere with iron absorption)
Minor Interactions
- Caffeine (may slightly reduce iron absorption)
- Tea/Coffee (tannins can reduce iron absorption)
Monitoring
Symptom Monitoring
- Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, constipation, diarrhea, especially with iron)
- Dark stools (common with iron supplementation)
- Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)
- Symptoms of vitamin/mineral deficiency (if supplement is for treatment)
- Symptoms of vitamin/mineral toxicity (e.g., hypervitaminosis A/D, iron overload symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, abdominal pain)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Often recommended during pregnancy to ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients, especially folic acid and iron, to support fetal development and maternal health. Specific prenatal vitamin formulations are available and preferred.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Crucial for neural tube development (folic acid) and preventing iron deficiency.
Second Trimester:
Continued need for iron to support increased blood volume and fetal growth.
Third Trimester:
Continued need for iron and other nutrients for rapid fetal growth.
Lactation
Often recommended during lactation to ensure adequate nutrient intake for both mother and infant, as nutrient demands are increased.
Infant Risk:
Generally considered safe and beneficial for the infant via breast milk; no known significant risks at recommended doses.
Pediatric Use
Use specific pediatric formulations. Iron overdose is a significant risk in young children; store all iron-containing products out of reach. Consult a pediatrician for appropriate dosing.
Geriatric Use
May benefit from multivitamin supplementation due to potential for decreased absorption, reduced dietary intake, or specific nutrient needs (e.g., Vitamin B12, Vitamin D). However, caution with excessive iron if not deficient, as iron accumulation can occur.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Always advise patients to take iron-containing multivitamins with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and constipation.
- Educate patients on the critical importance of keeping iron supplements out of reach of children due to the high risk of fatal overdose.
- Inform patients that iron supplementation can cause dark or black stools, which is a normal and harmless side effect.
- Advise patients to separate multivitamin intake from certain medications (e.g., thyroid hormones, some antibiotics) by at least 2-4 hours to prevent absorption interference.
- Emphasize that supplements are meant to complement, not replace, a balanced and varied diet.
Alternative Therapies
- Dietary modifications to increase vitamin and mineral intake
- Individual vitamin or mineral supplements (e.g., iron-only supplements, Vitamin D supplements)
- Liquid or chewable multivitamin formulations
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$5 - $30 per 30 tablets
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Not covered (Over-the-Counter), or covered by FSA/HSA
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe and effective treatment, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it is a good idea to consult with your pharmacist. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, do not 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 reporting the incident, be prepared to provide detailed information, including the name of the medication taken, the quantity, and the time it occurred.