How should I take multivitamins?
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 multivitamin. Avoid taking more
than one multivitamin 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.
Many multivitamin products also contain minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium,
potassium, and zinc. 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 multivitamin product you take to
make sure you are aware of what it contains.
Take your multivitamin with a full glass of water.
The chewable tablet must be chewed or allowed to dissolve in your mouth before
swallowing.
Measure the liquid form of multivitamins 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.
Liquid multivitamins may sometimes be mixed with water, fruit juice, or infant formula
(but not milk or other dairy products). Follow the directions on the medicine label.
It is important to take multivitamins 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 in their original container. Storing multivitamins 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 contained in a multivitamin 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.
What should I avoid while taking multivitamins?
Avoid taking more than one multivitamin 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 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
ingredients of the multivitamin.
What are the possible side effects of multivitamins?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic
reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
When taken as directed, multivitamins are not expected to cause serious side effects. Less
serious side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
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