Virt-Caps 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 Vitamins; Coenzymes
Pregnancy Category
Category A (at recommended doses, some components may be C at high doses)
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Vitamin B complex is a group of essential vitamins that play vital roles in your body's energy production, nerve function, and overall health. They help convert the food you eat into energy and keep your skin, hair, eyes, and liver healthy.
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 closely. 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 prevent accidental ingestion or overdose.
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 closely. 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 prevent accidental ingestion or overdose.
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 minimize stomach upset and enhance absorption.
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
- Inform your doctor about all supplements you are taking, especially if you are on other medications.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
One capsule daily or as directed by a healthcare professional
Dose Range:
1 - 2 mg
Condition-Specific Dosing:
deficiency:
Higher doses may be prescribed for specific vitamin deficiencies under medical supervision.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established (specific pediatric formulations or medical guidance required)
Infant:
Not established (specific pediatric formulations or medical guidance required)
Child:
Varies by product and age; typically lower doses than adults, as directed by a healthcare professional.
Adolescent:
Similar to adult dosing, or as directed by a healthcare professional.
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No specific adjustment typically needed.
Moderate:
No specific adjustment typically needed.
Severe:
Caution with very high doses of certain B vitamins (e.g., B6) due to potential accumulation; consult physician.
Dialysis:
B vitamins are water-soluble and may be removed by dialysis; supplementation often recommended, consult nephrologist.
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No specific adjustment.
Moderate:
No specific adjustment.
Severe:
No specific adjustment.
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Vitamin B complex vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12) act as coenzymes in numerous metabolic pathways essential for cellular function, energy production, DNA synthesis and repair, nerve function, and red blood cell formation. They are crucial for converting food into energy and maintaining healthy tissues.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Varies by specific B vitamin and formulation (e.g., B12 requires intrinsic factor for optimal absorption). Generally well-absorbed from the small intestine.
Tmax:
Varies, typically 1-4 hours for most B vitamins.
FoodEffect:
Generally enhanced or unaffected by food; some B vitamins (e.g., B12) may be better absorbed with food.
Distribution:
Vd:
Not applicable (distributed throughout body tissues)
ProteinBinding:
Minimal for most B vitamins; some (e.g., B12) bind to specific transport proteins.
CnssPenetration:
Yes (most B vitamins cross the blood-brain barrier to varying degrees).
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Varies widely by specific B vitamin (e.g., B1: 18 days, B6: 15-20 days, B12: 6 days in plasma, months in liver stores).
Clearance:
Renal excretion of excess and metabolites.
ExcretionRoute:
Renal (urine)
Unchanged:
Significant portion of excess B vitamins excreted unchanged.
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Not acutely defined; effects are cumulative and support ongoing metabolic processes. Clinical improvement in deficiency symptoms may take days to weeks.
PeakEffect:
Not acutely defined.
DurationOfAction:
Not acutely defined; continuous intake is required to maintain adequate levels.
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention, as they may be signs of a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction:
- Allergic reaction symptoms, such as rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Other Possible Side Effects
Most medications can cause side effects, but many people either do not experience them or have only mild symptoms. If you encounter any of the following side effects or any other unusual effects that concern 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, consult your doctor. For medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention, as they may be signs of a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction:
- Allergic reaction symptoms, such as rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Other Possible Side Effects
Most medications can cause side effects, but many people either do not experience them or have only mild symptoms. If you encounter any of the following side effects or any other unusual effects that concern 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, consult your doctor. For medical advice about side effects, contact 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 or nausea (rare at recommended doses)
- Unusual tingling or numbness (especially with very high B6 doses)
- Dark yellow urine (common and harmless, due to riboflavin excretion)
- Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing - rare)
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 discuss all of the following with your doctor and pharmacist:
All prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking
Any natural products or vitamins you are using
* Your overall health and any existing medical conditions
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 safe use of this medication.
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 discuss all of the following with your doctor and pharmacist:
All prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking
Any natural products or vitamins you are using
* Your overall health and any existing medical conditions
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 safe use of this medication.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all of your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. This drug may interfere with certain laboratory tests, so be sure to notify all of your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking it.
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 formulations may contain this ingredient.
Not all formulations of this medication are suitable for pediatric use, so it is crucial to discuss its use with your doctor if you are considering administering it to a child.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, you must consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks of taking this medication to both you and 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 formulations may contain this ingredient.
Not all formulations of this medication are suitable for pediatric use, so it is crucial to discuss its use with your doctor if you are considering administering it to a child.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, you must consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks of taking this medication to both you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Generally, water-soluble B vitamins are considered safe, and excess is excreted in urine.
- However, very high doses of specific B vitamins can cause issues:
- Pyridoxine (B6): Severe peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) with doses >200 mg/day long-term.
- Niacin (B3): Flushing, itching, gastrointestinal upset, liver damage (especially with nicotinic acid form).
- Folic Acid (B9): Can mask B12 deficiency, leading to irreversible neurological damage.
What to Do:
Discontinue use, seek medical attention. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Levodopa (with high doses of Pyridoxine/B6, can reduce efficacy unless carbidopa is co-administered)
- Methotrexate (Folic acid/B9 can reduce efficacy of methotrexate, requiring careful monitoring)
Moderate Interactions
- Isoniazid, Penicillamine, Hydralazine, Cycloserine (can increase B6 requirements)
- Oral Contraceptives (may increase requirements for B6, B9, B12)
- Anticonvulsants (e.g., Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital - may increase folate requirements)
- Proton Pump Inhibitors, H2 Blockers, Metformin (can impair B12 absorption)
- Alcohol (can impair absorption and increase excretion of several B vitamins)
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Clinical assessment of nutritional status
Rationale: To identify potential deficiencies or underlying conditions.
Timing: Prior to initiation, especially if deficiency is suspected.
Specific B vitamin levels (e.g., B12, Folate)
Rationale: If deficiency is suspected or for high-risk populations (e.g., malabsorption, strict vegetarians).
Timing: As clinically indicated.
Routine Monitoring
Symptom resolution/improvement
Frequency: Ongoing
Target: Not applicable
Action Threshold: Lack of improvement or worsening symptoms may indicate inadequate dosing or alternative diagnosis.
Clinical well-being
Frequency: Regularly
Target: Not applicable
Action Threshold: New or worsening symptoms.
Symptom Monitoring
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Numbness or tingling (neuropathy)
- Memory issues
- Depression
- Irritability
- Skin changes (e.g., dermatitis)
- Oral lesions (e.g., cheilosis, glossitis)
- Anemia symptoms (e.g., pallor, shortness of breath)
- Gastrointestinal upset
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Generally safe and often recommended during pregnancy, especially folic acid (B9) to prevent neural tube defects. Consult a healthcare provider for appropriate dosing.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Folic acid is crucial for neural tube development.
Second Trimester:
Continued support for maternal and fetal growth.
Third Trimester:
Continued support for maternal and fetal growth.
Lactation
Generally safe and often recommended during lactation to support maternal and infant nutritional needs. B vitamins are excreted in breast milk.
Infant Risk:
Low risk at recommended doses; beneficial for infant development.
Pediatric Use
Generally safe at age-appropriate doses. Specific pediatric formulations are available. Consult a pediatrician before administering to children.
Geriatric Use
Generally safe. Older adults may have increased risk of B12 deficiency due to reduced stomach acid or malabsorption; supplementation is often beneficial. No specific dose adjustments typically needed for the complex, but individual needs may vary.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- B vitamins are water-soluble, meaning they are not stored in the body in large amounts and need to be replenished regularly through diet or supplementation.
- Dark yellow urine after taking B complex is normal and due to the excretion of riboflavin (B2).
- While generally safe, extremely high doses of certain individual B vitamins (especially B6 and B3) can lead to toxicity. Always adhere to recommended dosages.
- B vitamin supplementation is particularly important for individuals with dietary restrictions (e.g., vegans for B12), malabsorption conditions, chronic alcohol use, or those on certain medications that interfere with B vitamin metabolism.
- Folic acid (B9) supplementation is critical for women of childbearing age to prevent neural tube defects.
Alternative Therapies
- Dietary modifications to include B vitamin-rich foods (e.g., whole grains, meat, fish, eggs, dairy, leafy greens, legumes).
- Addressing underlying causes of deficiency (e.g., malabsorption disorders, pernicious anemia).
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$5 - $30 per 30-100 capsules
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Generally not covered by insurance as an over-the-counter dietary supplement.
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's 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 be sure 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 medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication, including the amount taken and the time it happened, to ensure you receive the best possible care.