Prenatal multivitamins

Prenatal multivitamins are a mix of various vitamins that are usually found in foods and other natural sources. Prenatal multivitamins may also include other ingredients.

Prenatal multivitamins are used to supply the extra vitamins and minerals required before, during, and after pregnancy.

There are many brands of prenatal multivitamins available. Not all brands are included in this medication guide.

Prenatal multivitamins may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Take the medicine exactly as directed.

Your dose may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of prenatal multivitamins. Avoid medication errors by using it exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Store this medicine in the original container at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.

Keep prenatal multivitamins out of the reach of children. An accidental overdose can be fatal to a child younger than 6 years old.

You should not take prenatal multivitamins if you are allergic to them, or if you have:

• cirrhosis of the liver;
• vitamin B12 deficiency or pernicious anemia;
• iron overload disorder (hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis);
• Wilson's disease;
• hemolytic anemia;
• pyridoxine responsive anemia; or
• if you are also taking mineral oil.

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. An accidental overdose can be fatal to a child younger than 6 years old.

Some vitamins and minerals can cause serious or life-threatening side effects if taken in large doses. Do not take more of this medicine than what is directed on the label or prescribed by your doctor.

Prenatal multivitamins containing omega-3 fatty acids may cause bruising or bleeding if you also take blood thinners. Ask your doctor about your individual risk.

Before taking prenatal vitamins, tell each of your doctors about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects of prenatal multivitamins may include:

• stomach pain or upset, constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• numbness, tingling, burning pain;
• swelling, rash, itching;
• changes in glucose levels;
• high blood cell counts;
• black or tarry stools;
• vision problems; or
• headache, drowsiness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation during Pregnancy/Lactation:

Prenatal vitamin oral kit: 1 tablet and 1 softgel capsule daily or as directed by physician.Prenatal vitamin oral bar: 1 bar daily.Prenatal vitamin oral capsule:1 capsule orally daily.Prenatal vitamin oral tablet:1 tablet orally daily.Prenatal Multivitamins with Folic Acid 0.5 mg oral tablet:2 tablets orally daily or 1 tablet orally twice daily.Prenatal Multivitamins with Folic Acid 0.5 mg and Docusate oral tablet:2 tablets orally daily or 1 tablet orally twice daily.Prenatal Multivitamins with Folic Acid 1.2 mg oral tablet:1 or 2 tablets orally daily in divided doses.

Take the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it's nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An accidental overdose can be deadly, especially in children younger than 6 years old.

Overdose symptoms may include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tarry or black stools, increased thirst or urination, constipation, loss of appetite, vision problems, pale skin, feeling faint, weakness, drowsiness, dehydration, seizures, vomiting blood, blue skin on your hands or feet, lack of energy, confusion, or irregular heartbeats.

Do not take an antibiotic medicine within 2 hours before or after you take prenatal multivitamins.

Do not regularly use potassium supplements or salt substitutes if your prenatal multivitamins contain potassium.

Do not take prenatal multivitamins with milk, other dairy products, calcium supplements, or antacids that contain calcium.

Other drugs may change how prenatal multivitamins work, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are taking.