Generic name: Multivitamins and minerals
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Vitamin C Plus Zinc?
This product contains the antioxidant ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and the mineral zinc.
It’s used as a dietary supplement to provide vitamins and minerals that your body doesn’t take in through foods alone.
Vitamin C and zinc play important roles in providing adequate nutrition and immune defense.
This supplement may be given to prevent or treat certain deficiencies caused by poor nutrition, different diseases, medications, or pregnancy.
Some people also take it to reduce the severity of symptoms associated with the common cold or to promote overall wellness, though there is no evidence that the average American needs to take these supplements to maintain or improve health.
Vitamin C plus zinc is typically sold as an over-the-counter (OTC) product.
Warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Vitamin C Plus Zinc (Multivitamins And Minerals)?
Multivitamins and minerals can cause serious or life-threatening side effects if taken in large doses. Do not take more of this medicine 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.
How should I use Vitamin C Plus Zinc
Use Vitamin C Plus Zinc (Multivitamins And Minerals) 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.
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.
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.
Vitamin C Plus Zinc side effects
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.
What other drugs will affect Vitamin C Plus Zinc?
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 this medicine with milk, other dairy products, calcium supplements, or antacids that contain calcium. Calcium may make it harder for your body to absorb certain minerals.
What to Expect
If you’re taking vitamin C plus zinc to promote overall health, you might not notice any difference in how you feel. Too much zinc, when used intranasally, can cause side effects, such as loss of smell.
People who take vitamin C plus zinc to lessen the duration of a cold typically report fewer symptoms, such as a runny nose, over five days of treatment.
Additional Dosage Information
Your dosage of vitamin C plus zinc will depend on the formulation you take and your overall health.
Secondary Uses
Some people have touted the use of vitamin C plus zinc for treating health problems associated with COVID-19.
While the supplement may reduce symptoms of the common cold, scientists still aren’t certain how vitamin C plus zinc (together or alone) can benefit people with respiratory tract infections, such as COVID-19.
Studies are underway to determine if supplements, such as vitamin C plus zinc, can help in the fight against COVID-19.