Vitamins are naturally occurring substances necessary for many processes in the body.
Vitamins are found in the foods we eat.
Multivitamins are combinations of vitamins in tablets, capsules, liquids, and injections.
Multivitamins are used to treat vitamin shortages in the body that may occur because of illness,
pregnancy, poor nutrition, decreased absorption of foods through the stomach, and many other
circumstances.
Multivitamins may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
Take multivitamins exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Take multivitamins with food to lessen stomach upset.
Some multivitamins are available in a chewable tablet formulation. Chew these tablets
thoroughly before swallowing.
Some multivitamins are also available in liquid form. To ensure that you get the
correct dosage, measure liquid multivitamins with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular
table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get
one.
Do not take more of a multivitamin than is prescribed for you or is directed on the
package. Large doses of multivitamins can be dangerous.
Store multivitamins at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Stop taking multivitamins and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an
allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or
face; or hives).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Nausea, constipation, black
stools, and diarrhea are among the most common. Taking multivitamins with food may decrease
these side effects.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any
side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Before taking a multivitamin, tell your doctor if you are taking any other prescription or
over-the-counter medicines. You may not be able to take the multivitamin, or you may require a
dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any other medicines.
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while you are taking
multivitamin supplements. Follow any special instructions your doctor gives you.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your
next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a
double dose.
Some multivitamins may affect other medical conditions or treatments. Do not start
taking a multivitamin without first talking to your doctor if you have any health problems or
conditions, or if you take other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
Multivitamins are generally considered to be safe for use during pregnancy and
breast-feeding. Special prenatal vitamins are available and are important for the healthy
development of a baby. However, large doses of some vitamins can be harmful. Talk to your
doctor about taking a vitamin and mineral supplement during pregnancy or breast-feeding.
Multivitamins are available by prescription and over-the-counter generically and under
many brand names in several formulations. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about
this medication, especially if it is new to you.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ("Multum") is accurate,
up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. In addition, the drug information contained herein may be time sensitive.
Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and end-users in the United States. Cerner Multum does not warrant
that uses outside of the United States are appropriate. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy.
Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or
to serve end-users viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare
practitioners. Healthcare practitioners should use their professional judgment in using the information provided. The absence of a warning for a
given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for
any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides.
The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions,
or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
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