Multiple Vitamins/Minerals, Oral

Type of medicine: multivitamin

Generic and brand names: multiple vitamins and minerals, oral; ADEKs; Bacmin; Cerovite Senior; Calcet Plus; Centrum; Certagen Senior; Eldercaps; Gerimed; Glutofac; Garfield Complete with Minerals; ICAPS Time Release; ICAPS Plus; Optivite P.M.T.; One-A-Day Extras Antioxidant; One-Tablet-Daily with Minerals; Optilets-M-500; PowerVites Super Hi Potency; Theravee-M; Therapeutic-M; Total Formula; Unicap T; Vita-Plus G Softgel; Vita-PMS; Vicon Forte; Vi-Zac; Zincvit; Vigortol

This medicine is used when you do not get enough vitamins and minerals from the food you eat. Multivitamins and minerals are used to treat vitamin and mineral shortages in the body that may occur because of illness, pregnancy, poor nutrition, or decreased absorption of foods through the stomach.

It may be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Some multivitamins and minerals may affect other treatments or medical conditions. Do not start taking a vitamin or mineral without first talking to your health care provider. If you take an anticoagulant such as warfarin, let your health care provider know before taking a multivitamin that includes Vitamin K.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your health care provider. Taking more of it or taking it more often than recommended may cause unpleasant side effects.

Take this medicine with food to lessen stomach upset. Also take it with a full glass of water.

This medicine may come as tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, or in a liquid form. Chew the chewable tablets completely before swallowing. For the liquid forms, measure the dose with a dose-measuring spoon or cup.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, contact your health care provider.

Be especially careful to keep this medicine out of the reach of children. Small amounts can poison small children. If you think you have taken an overdose or if a child has taken this medicine, contact a poison control center right away.

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Black tarry stools, diarrhea, bloody vomit, drowsiness, fainting, breathing problems, tremors, watery eyes, weakness. These can be signs of an overdose.

Other: Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, dark yellow urine.

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, other vitamins, natural remedies and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:

• antacids such as Amphojel, Maalox, and Mylanta
• iron medicines
• warfarin (Coumadin).

Multivitamins and minerals may interact with other medicines depending upon the content of the product you are using. Check with your health care provider before taking a multivitamin with minerals if you are taking other medicines.

Do not take other vitamin or mineral products while you are taking this product without your health care provider's approval. Large quantities of some vitamins and minerals can be harmful.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

Keep this medicine in its original container. Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.