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Prenatal vitamins (By mouth)

Prenatal vitamins are used to supplement the diet during pregnancy and during breast feeding.

Brand Name(s):

BP MultiNatal Plus, Bal-Care DHA, Bal-Care DHA Essential, C-Nate DHA, Carlson PreNatal Multiple With DHA, Centrum Specialist Prenatal, CitraNatal 90 DHA, CitraNatal Assure, CitraNatal B-Calm, CitraNatal DHA, CitraNatal Harmony, CitraNatal Medley, Classic Prenatal, Complete Natal DHA, CompleteNate

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use prenatal vitamins if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a vitamin or mineral supplement.

How to Use This Medicine:

Spray, Kit, Coated Tablet, Capsule, Chewable Tablet, Liquid Filled Capsule, Powder, Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
  • Swallow the tablet, enteric coated tablet, capsule, or liquid filled capsule whole. Do not break, chew, or crush it.
  • The chewable tablet should be chewed completely before you swallow it.
  • Dissolve the powder in 4 to 5 ounces of water and drink the mixture right away.
  • Spray the mouth spray on the inside of your cheek. Hold the medicine in your mouth for about 30 seconds, then swallow.

If a dose is missed:

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • You should not use other vitamin and mineral supplements while you are using prenatal vitamins.
  • There are many drugs that can interact with a prenatal multivitamin. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease or have ever had kidney stones. Tell your doctor if you have blood problems such as pernicious anemia or too much iron.
  • You should not use certain brands of this medicine if you have kidney disease or are on dialysis, because they may harm your kidneys. Ask your caregiver what brands are best for you.
  • This medicine might have enough iron to poison a small child. Be very careful to keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If a child does swallow some of this medicine, call a doctor or poison control center right away.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Dark stools or constipation.
  • Mild nausea.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 12/4/2023

 
 
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