What is multivitamin?
Multivitamins and minerals are a combination of many different vitamins and minerals that are normally found in foods and other natural sources.
Multivitamins and minerals are used to provide vitamins and minerals that are not taken in through the diet. Multivitamins and minerals are also used to treat vitamin or mineral deficiencies caused by illness, pregnancy, poor nutrition, digestive disorders, certain medications, and many other conditions.
Multivitamins and minerals may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about multivitamins and minerals?
Never take more than the recommended dose of multivitamins and minerals. Avoid taking more than one vitamin/mineral product at the same time unless your doctor tells you to. Taking similar products together can result in a vitamin overdose or serious side effects.
Minerals taken in large doses can cause side effects such as tooth staining, increased urination, stomach bleeding, uneven heart rate, confusion, and muscle weakness or limp feeling. Read the label of any vitamin and mineral product you take to make sure you are aware of what it contains.
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of vitamins A, D, E, or K can cause serious or life-threatening side effects if taken in large doses. Certain minerals may also cause serious overdose symptoms if you take too much.
Overdose symptoms may include stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, hair loss, peeling skin, tingly feeling in or around your mouth, changes in menstrual periods, weight loss, severe headache, muscle or joint pain, severe back pain, blood in your urine, pale skin, and easy bruising or bleeding.
Do not take this medication with milk, other dairy products, calcium supplements, or antacids that contain calcium. Calcium may make it harder for your body to absorb certain ingredients of the multivitamin.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking multivitamins and minerals?
Many vitamin and mineral supplements can cause serious or life-threatening side effects if taken in large doses. Do not take more of this medication than directed on the label or prescribed by your doctor.
If you have any medical conditions, ask your doctor before taking multivitamins and minerals. If you have certain conditions, you may need a certain vitamin formulation or special tests while taking multivitamins and minerals.
Do not take multivitamins and minerals without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Some vitamins can harm an unborn baby if taken in large doses. You may need to use a prenatal vitamin specially formulated for pregnant women.
Multivitamins and minerals can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.