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

Multivitamins and minerals are used to provide substances that are not taken in through the diet. Multivitamins and minerals are also used to treat vitamin or mineral deficiencies caused by illness, pregnancy, poor nutrition, digestive disorders, certain medications, and many other conditions.

Multivitamins and minerals may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Never take more than the recommended dose of multivitamins and minerals.

An overdose of vitamins A, D, E, or K can cause serious or life-threatening side effects if taken in large doses. Certain minerals may also cause serious overdose symptoms if you take too much.

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

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Never take more than the recommended dose of multivitamins and minerals.

Read the label of any vitamin and mineral product you take to make sure you are aware of what it contains.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water. Avoid milk or other dairy products.

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Dissolve the effervescent tablet in at least 4 ounces of water. Stir and drink this mixture right away.

Swallow a capsule or tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

Use multivitamins and minerals regularly to get the most benefit.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the liquid medicine from freezing.

Store this medicine in its original container. Storing multivitamins in a glass container can ruin the medication.

Usual Adult Dose for Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation:

Antioxidant Multiple Vitamins (A,D,E,K-intensive) and Minerals oral capsule:
2 capsules orally once daily.

Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphorus oral tablet:
2 tablets orally 3 times per day.

Calcium with Vitamin D and K oral tablet:
1 tablet orally twice daily.

Multiple Vitamins with Zinc oral capsule:
2 capsules orally once daily.

Therapeutic Multiple Vitamins with Minerals oral tablet, chewable:
1 tablet chewed daily with food.

Vitamin B Complex with C and Calcium oral tablet:
3 tablets orally daily preferably after a meal.

Vitamin B Complex with C, Folic Acid, Iron and Zinc oral tablet:
1 tablet orally once daily.

Vitamin B Complex with D, Calcium and Folic Acid oral wafer:
1 wafer chewed twice daily.

Vitamin B Complex with Folic Acid and Minerals oral tablet:
1 to 2 tablets orally once or twice daily.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation:

Antioxidant Multiple Vitamins (A,D,E,K-intensive) and Minerals oral capsule:
4 to 10 years: 1 capsule orally once daily.
11 years or older: 2 capsules orally once daily.

Antioxidant Multiple Vitamins and Minerals oral liquid and
Antioxidant Multiple Vitamins (A,D,E,K-intensive) and Minerals oral liquid:
1 year or less: 1 mL orally once a day.
1 to 3 years: 2 mL orally once a day.

Multiple Vitamins with Zinc oral capsule:
4 to 10 years: 1 capsule orally once daily.
11 years or older: 2 capsules orally once daily.

Vitamin B Complex with Folic Acid and Minerals oral tablet:
6 years or older: 1 to 2 tablets orally once or twice daily.

Multivitamins and minerals can cause serious or life-threatening side effects if taken in large doses. Do not take more of multivitamins and minerals than directed on the label or prescribed by your doctor.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use multivitamins and minerals if you have other medical conditions or allergies.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy. Some vitamins and minerals can be harmful if taken in large doses. You may need to use a specially formulated prenatal vitamin.

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

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 if taken in large doses. Certain minerals may also cause serious overdose symptoms if you take too much.

Overdose symptoms may include increased thirst or urination, severe stomach pain, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, black and tarry stools, hair loss, peeling skin, tingly feeling in or around your mouth, changes in menstrual periods, weight loss, severe headache, severe back pain, blood in your urine, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, severe drowsiness, slow heart rate, shallow breathing, weak and rapid pulse, confusion, muscle weakness, cold and clammy skin, blue lips, and seizure (convulsions).

Avoid taking more than one multivitamin product at the same time unless your doctor tells you to. Taking similar products together can result in an overdose or serious side effects.

Avoid the use of salt substitutes in your diet if your multivitamin and mineral contains potassium. If you are on a low-salt diet, ask your doctor before taking a vitamin or mineral supplement.

Do not take multivitamins and minerals with milk, other dairy products, calcium supplements, or antacids that contain calcium. Calcium may make it harder for your body to absorb certain minerals.

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

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.

When taken as directed, multivitamins and minerals are not expected to cause serious side effects. Common side effects may include:

• upset stomach;

• headache; or

• unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth.

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.

Vitamin and mineral supplements can interact with certain medications, or affect how medications work in your body. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using multivitamins and minerals with any other medications, especially:

• tretinoin or isotretinoin;

• an antacid;

• an antibiotic;

• a diuretic or "water pill";

• heart or blood pressure medications;

• a sulfa drug; or

• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect multivitamins and minerals, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.