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Overview: Multivitamins are used to help meet nutritional needs if you do not get enough vitamins and minerals from the things you eat and drink. The active ingredients in multivitamins can vary based on the specific product. Multivitamins come in several different forms, including liquids as well as tablets and gummies that you chew and swallow. If you are not sure which one to choose, ask your pharmacist.

Uses

What are multivitamins used for?

Multivitamins are commonly used to help meet nutritional needs when you do not get enough vitamins and minerals from the things you eat and drink.

Multivitamins may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How do multivitamins work (mechanism of action)?

Multivitamins provide you with vitamins and minerals if you do not get enough of them in the things that you eat and drink. The active ingredients in multivitamins can vary based on the specific product. Always check the label to see what ingredients your product has. Your body uses these vitamins and minerals for many different functions, including growth, energy, and staying healthy.

How are multivitamins supplied (dosage forms)?

Multivitamins are available as a supplement in various forms and strengths.

How should I store multivitamins?

Store multivitamins according to the package labeling. Most medicines should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight. If you are not sure how to store your multivitamins, ask your pharmacist.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of multivitamins?

Multivitamins are usually well tolerated. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of multivitamins?

While less common, the most serious side effects of multivitamins are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Multivitamins may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking multivitamins and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown, depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use multivitamins?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take multivitamins.

  • Multivitamins
  • Minerals
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific multivitamin products they stock.

What should I know about multivitamins before using them?

Follow the instructions that come with the product. Do not take more than is recommended.

Some multivitamins have iron in them. Accidental iron overdoses can lead to death, especially in children younger than 6 years. Keep multivitamins out of the reach of children.

If you are taking a liquid multivitamin, follow any instructions on the label about shaking the liquid before measuring your dose. Shaking it before measuring helps to make sure you get the right amount. Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist which measuring device to use.

What should I tell my health care provider before using multivitamins?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if multivitamins are right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Before taking a multivitamin, tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Pregnancy. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take a multivitamin while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take a multivitamin while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Do multivitamins interact with foods or drinks?

Some vitamins may interact with dairy products. Taking these with milk, yogurt, or other dairy products may decrease the amount your body absorbs. Some vitamins should be taken with food, and others can be mixed with juice or foods to hide any bad taste. Follow the instructions on your vitamins about whether they need to be separated or given with certain foods.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect vitamins.

Do multivitamins interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Depending on the specific ingredients, vitamins may interact with certain medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much of a multivitamin?

If you or someone else has used too much of a multivitamin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of multivitamins?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.