Multivitamins

Vitamins are natural substances that your body needs to grow, develop, and function normally. Vitamins are contained in food; a well-balanced diet usually provides all of the vitamins required. However, there are times, such as during pregnancy and childhood, when your body needs more vitamins than usual. During certain illnesses, your body either cannot get or cannot efficiently use all of the vitamins it needs. Multivitamins are prescribed for patients who need extra vitamins, who cannot eat enough food to obtain the required vitamins, or who cannot receive the full benefit of the vitamins contained in the food they eat. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Multivitamins come in regular tablets, chewable tablets, capsules, and oral liquid. They are usually taken once a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label or package label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take multivitamins exactly as directed. If your vitamins come in a dropper bottle, use the specially marked dropper to measure each dose. Your doctor will tell you if you need a specific type of vitamin product and how much to take. Some multivitamin preparations do not require a prescription. Ask your pharmacist for advice in selecting a multivitamin product and follow the directions on the label carefully.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Multivitamins may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if either of these symptoms is severe or does not go away:

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<li>
upset stomach</li>
<li>
unpleasant taste</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p></p>

Before taking multivitamins, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to multivitamins or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin) and any other vitamins. Multivitamins are available in high-dose formulations (therapeutic multivitamins) and in combination with iron, calcium, and minerals. Do not take these formulations without your doctor's advice.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.