Triphrocaps Capsules
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; Vitamin
Pharmacologic Class
Water-soluble vitamin combination
Pregnancy Category
Not formally categorized for dietary supplements; generally considered safe within recommended daily allowances (RDAs) or adequate intakes (AIs).
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Triphrocaps is a dietary supplement containing a combination of B vitamins. These vitamins are essential for many body functions, including energy production, nerve health, and red blood cell formation. It's often used to ensure adequate vitamin intake, especially when dietary intake is insufficient or when the body's needs are increased, such as in certain medical conditions like kidney disease.
How to Use This Medicine
Taking Your Medication Correctly
To ensure you get the most benefit from your medication, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Read all the information provided with your prescription and follow the instructions precisely. Some medications should be taken with food, while others should be taken on an empty stomach. If you're unsure, consult with your pharmacist to determine the best way to take your medication.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
To maintain the effectiveness and safety of your medication, store it at room temperature in a dry place, away from the bathroom. Protect it from heat and light to prevent degradation. Keep all medications in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets, to avoid accidental ingestion or exposure.
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, as this can increase the risk of adverse effects.
To ensure you get the most benefit from your medication, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Read all the information provided with your prescription and follow the instructions precisely. Some medications should be taken with food, while others should be taken on an empty stomach. If you're unsure, consult with your pharmacist to determine the best way to take your medication.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
To maintain the effectiveness and safety of your medication, store it at room temperature in a dry place, away from the bathroom. Protect it from heat and light to prevent degradation. Keep all medications in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets, to avoid accidental ingestion or exposure.
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, as this can increase the risk of adverse effects.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take with food to improve absorption and reduce stomach upset.
- Maintain a balanced diet in addition to supplementation.
- Stay hydrated.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
Typically 1 capsule daily, or as directed by a healthcare professional. Specific dosage depends on the product's formulation and individual needs.
Condition-Specific Dosing:
deficiency:
Higher doses may be used under medical supervision for specific vitamin deficiencies.
renal_support:
Formulations like Triphrocaps are often designed for individuals with kidney conditions, where specific B vitamins (e.g., B6, B9, B12) may be needed in higher amounts due to altered metabolism or loss during dialysis. Consult a nephrologist.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established for this specific combination product; consult pediatrician.
Infant:
Not established for this specific combination product; consult pediatrician.
Child:
Not established for this specific combination product; consult pediatrician.
Adolescent:
Not established for this specific combination product; consult pediatrician.
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No specific adjustment typically required for general supplementation.
Moderate:
No specific adjustment typically required for general supplementation; however, products like Triphrocaps are often formulated for renal patients, so follow specific product recommendations or physician advice.
Severe:
No specific adjustment typically required for general supplementation; however, products like Triphrocaps are often formulated for renal patients, so follow specific product recommendations or physician advice.
Dialysis:
Specific B vitamin supplementation (e.g., B6, B9, B12) is often recommended for dialysis patients due to increased losses. Triphrocaps is often formulated for this purpose. Consult a nephrologist.
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No specific adjustment typically required.
Moderate:
No specific adjustment typically required.
Severe:
No specific adjustment typically required.
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12) function primarily as coenzymes in numerous metabolic pathways essential for cellular function. They are crucial for energy production (carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism), red blood cell formation, nervous system function, DNA synthesis and repair, and immune function. Each B vitamin has specific roles, but they often work synergistically.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Generally well-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, though specific bioavailability varies by individual vitamin and formulation. B12 absorption requires intrinsic factor.
Tmax:
Varies by individual vitamin, typically 1-4 hours.
FoodEffect:
Often taken with food to enhance absorption and minimize gastrointestinal upset.
Distribution:
Vd:
Widely distributed throughout body tissues.
ProteinBinding:
Varies by individual vitamin (e.g., B12 is highly protein-bound).
CnssPenetration:
Yes, essential for neurological function.
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Generally short (hours) for most B vitamins, except B12 (which has a longer half-life due to enterohepatic recirculation and storage).
Clearance:
Primarily renal excretion.
ExcretionRoute:
Renal (urine)
Unchanged:
Significant amounts of unchanged vitamins and their metabolites are excreted in urine.
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Gradual, as deficiencies are corrected and metabolic pathways are supported. Not an acute effect like many drugs.
PeakEffect:
Not applicable in the same way as drugs; effects are sustained with regular intake.
DurationOfAction:
Effects persist as long as adequate levels are maintained through regular intake.
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience 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, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
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 for advice:
- Stomach pain or diarrhea
- Upset stomach or vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Gas
- Bad taste in your mouth
Reporting Side Effects
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. For medical advice about side effects, you can also call your doctor. Additionally, you can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience 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, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
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 for advice:
- Stomach pain or diarrhea
- Upset stomach or vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Gas
- Bad taste in your mouth
Reporting Side Effects
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. For medical advice about side effects, you can also call your doctor. Additionally, you can 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:
- Urine may turn bright yellow; this is normal and harmless due to riboflavin (B2).
- Mild stomach upset or nausea (less common, usually resolved by taking with food).
- Rarely, with very high doses of B6 over long periods, nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) can occur, causing numbness or tingling in hands and feet. Discontinue use and consult a doctor if this occurs.
- High doses of folic acid can mask a vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to irreversible nerve damage if not treated. If you have a B12 deficiency, ensure it is properly diagnosed and treated.
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 symptoms you experienced.
If you are currently taking levodopa, as this may interact with the medication.
This is not an exhaustive list of potential interactions. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to disclose all of the following to your doctor and pharmacist:
A complete list of your prescription and over-the-counter medications
Any natural products or vitamins you are taking
* Your medical history and any existing health problems
Before starting, stopping, or adjusting the dose of any medication, including this one, consult with your doctor to confirm it is safe to do so. This will help prevent potential interactions and ensure the medication is suitable for your specific situation.
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 symptoms you experienced.
If you are currently taking levodopa, as this may interact with the medication.
This is not an exhaustive list of potential interactions. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to disclose all of the following to your doctor and pharmacist:
A complete list of your prescription and over-the-counter medications
Any natural products or vitamins you are taking
* Your medical history and any existing health problems
Before starting, stopping, or adjusting the dose of any medication, including this one, consult with your doctor to confirm it is safe to do so. This will help prevent potential interactions and ensure the medication is suitable for your specific situation.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. This is crucial because this drug may interfere with certain laboratory tests. Therefore, be sure to notify all your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this medication.
If you have a known allergy to tartrazine, also referred to as FD&C Yellow No. 5, consult with your doctor before taking this medication, as some products may contain this ingredient.
Before administering this medication to children, consult with your doctor, as not all products are suitable for pediatric use.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, it is vital to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication with your doctor, as this will help you make an informed decision regarding your treatment and the well-being of your baby.
If you have a known allergy to tartrazine, also referred to as FD&C Yellow No. 5, consult with your doctor before taking this medication, as some products may contain this ingredient.
Before administering this medication to children, consult with your doctor, as not all products are suitable for pediatric use.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, it is vital to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication with your doctor, as this will help you make an informed decision regarding your treatment and the well-being of your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Generally, B vitamins have low toxicity due to their water-soluble nature, meaning excess amounts are excreted in urine.
- Excessive B6 (pyridoxine) can cause sensory neuropathy (nerve damage) with symptoms like numbness, tingling, and difficulty with coordination.
- Excessive folic acid can mask a vitamin B12 deficiency, leading to progressive neurological damage if the B12 deficiency is not identified and treated.
- Very high doses of niacin (B3) can cause flushing, itching, liver damage, and gastrointestinal upset (though this is more common with niacin as a drug for cholesterol, not typically in B-complex supplements).
What to Do:
If you suspect an overdose or experience severe symptoms, discontinue use and contact a poison control center (e.g., 1-800-222-1222) or seek immediate medical attention. Management is generally supportive.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Levodopa (with high doses of pyridoxine/B6 without carbidopa, as B6 can increase peripheral metabolism of levodopa, reducing its efficacy for Parkinson's disease).
- Methotrexate (folic acid/B9 supplementation can interfere with methotrexate's mechanism of action, which is a folate antagonist. However, leucovorin rescue or specific folate supplementation may be used to mitigate methotrexate toxicity under strict medical supervision).
Moderate Interactions
- Certain antibiotics (e.g., chloramphenicol, cycloserine, isoniazid) can interfere with B6 metabolism.
- Antiepileptic drugs (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproate) can increase folate and B6 requirements.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 blockers can impair B12 absorption.
- Metformin can reduce B12 absorption.
- Diuretics (especially loop diuretics) can increase urinary excretion of some B vitamins.
- Alcohol (can impair absorption and increase excretion of several B vitamins).
Minor Interactions
- Oral contraceptives (may affect B6 and folate status).
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Clinical assessment for signs of vitamin deficiency
Rationale: To identify pre-existing deficiencies and guide supplementation.
Timing: Prior to initiation of high-dose therapy or if deficiency is suspected.
Serum vitamin levels (e.g., B12, folate)
Rationale: If deficiency is suspected or for monitoring response to high-dose therapy.
Timing: Prior to initiation and periodically during high-dose therapy.
Routine Monitoring
Clinical symptoms (e.g., fatigue, neurological changes, skin/hair/nail health)
Frequency: Ongoing
Target: Improvement or resolution of deficiency symptoms.
Action Threshold: Worsening symptoms or new symptoms may indicate inadequate dosing or other underlying issues.
Urine color
Frequency: Daily
Target: Bright yellow (common and harmless with B vitamin intake)
Action Threshold: Not applicable, this is a normal finding.
Symptom Monitoring
- Improvement in energy levels
- Reduction in fatigue
- Improved neurological function (e.g., reduced tingling/numbness if due to deficiency)
- Improved skin, hair, and nail health
- Monitor for signs of toxicity with very high doses (e.g., peripheral neuropathy with excessive B6, masking of B12 deficiency by high folate).
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Generally safe and often recommended during pregnancy (e.g., folic acid to prevent neural tube defects, B6 for nausea) within recommended daily allowances. Consult a healthcare provider before taking any supplements during pregnancy.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Folic acid (B9) is crucial during the first trimester to prevent neural tube defects.
Second Trimester:
Generally safe and beneficial for maternal and fetal health.
Third Trimester:
Generally safe and beneficial for maternal and fetal health.
Lactation
Generally safe and often beneficial during lactation within recommended daily allowances, as B vitamins are transferred into breast milk. Consult a healthcare provider.
Infant Risk:
Low risk to infant when taken within recommended doses; beneficial for infant development.
Pediatric Use
Not specifically formulated or studied for general pediatric use; consult a pediatrician for age-appropriate vitamin supplementation. Specific B vitamins may be prescribed for certain conditions (e.g., B6 for seizures, B12 for deficiency).
Geriatric Use
Older adults may have increased needs for certain B vitamins (especially B12 due to malabsorption) and may benefit from supplementation. Consult a healthcare provider to assess individual needs.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- B vitamins are water-soluble, meaning excess amounts are generally excreted in urine, reducing the risk of toxicity compared to fat-soluble vitamins.
- Urine may turn bright yellow due to riboflavin (B2) content; this is a normal and harmless effect.
- Often recommended for individuals with increased metabolic demands, poor dietary intake, malabsorption conditions, or specific medical conditions (e.g., kidney disease, alcoholism).
- While generally safe, very high doses of certain individual B vitamins (especially B6) can lead to adverse effects.
- Folic acid supplementation can mask a vitamin B12 deficiency, which is important to consider, especially in older adults or vegetarians/vegans.
Alternative Therapies
- Dietary modifications to increase intake of B vitamin-rich foods (e.g., whole grains, meat, fish, eggs, dairy, leafy greens, legumes).
- Individual B vitamin supplements if only specific deficiencies are identified.
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
Varies widely by brand, retailer, and formulation (e.g., $5 - $30+) per 30-100 capsules
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Not typically covered by insurance, as it is a dietary supplement.
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's a good idea to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to reach out to 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 details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.