Prenatal multivitamins

There are many brands and forms of prenatal multivitamins available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Prenatal multivitamins are a combination of many different vitamins that are normally found in foods and other natural sources.

Prenatal multivitamins are used to provide the additional vitamins needed during pregnancy. Minerals may also be contained in prenatal multivitamins.

Prenatal multivitamins may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Never take more than the recommended dose of prenatal multivitamins.

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 prenatal multivitamin with a full glass of water.

Swallow the regular tablet or capsule whole. Do not break, chew, crush, or open it.

The chewable tablet must be chewed or allowed to dissolve in your mouth before swallowing. You may also allow the chewable tablet to dissolve in drinking water, fruit juice, or infant formula (but not milk or other dairy products). Drink this mixture right away.

Use prenatal multivitamins regularly to get the most benefit.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep prenatal multivitamins in their original container. Storing vitamins in a glass container can ruin the medication.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of vitamins A, D, E, or K can cause serious or life-threatening side effects and can also harm your unborn baby. Certain minerals contained in a prenatal multivitamin may also cause serious overdose symptoms or harm to the baby 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.

Avoid taking any other multivitamin product within 2 hours before or after you take your prenatal multivitamins. Taking similar vitamin products together at the same time 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.

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 prenatal multivitamin.

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Black, tarry, or bloody stools.
• Fever.
• Very upset stomach or throwing up.
• Very bad belly pain.
• Throwing up blood or throw up that looks like coffee grounds.
• Stomach cramps.