How should I take multivitamins and minerals?
Use this medication as directed on the label, or as your doctor has prescribed. Do not use
the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Never take more than the recommended dose of a vitamin and mineral supplement.
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 or
mineral overdose or serious
side effects.
Minerals (especially 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.
Take your multivitamin and minerals with a full
glass of water.
The chewable tablet must be chewed or allowed to dissolve in your mouth before
swallowing. You may also allow the tablet to dissolve in drinking water, fruit juice, or infant
formula (but not milk or other dairy products).
Measure the liquid form of multivitamins and minerals using a special 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 crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole. It is
specially made to release the vitamins and minerals slowly into the body.
It is important to take multivitamins and minerals regularly to get the most benefit.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the
liquid medicine from freezing.
Store multivitamins and minerals in their original container. Storing multivitamins and
minerals in a glass container can ruin the medication.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
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. Certain minerals may also cause serious overdose symptoms if
you take too much.
Vitamin 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.
Mineral overdose symptoms may include dry mouth, increased thirst or urination, severe
nausea or stomach pain, constipation, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, black and tarry stools, coughing
up blood, severe drowsiness, slow heart rate, shallow breathing, weak and rapid pulse, confusion,
muscle weakness, warmth or tingly feeling, fainting, cold or clammy skin, blue lips, and seizure
(convulsions).
What should I avoid while taking multivitamins and minerals?
Avoid taking more than one vitamin/mineral product at the same time unless your
doctor tells you to. Taking similar vitamin products together can result in a vitamin overdose or
serious side effects.
Avoid the regular use of salt substitutes in your diet if your multivitamin and mineral
contains potassium. If you are on a low-salt diet, ask your doctor before taking a vitamin or
mineral supplement.
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
minerals.
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