Vitamins (Multiple/Pediatric)

(VYE ta mins, MUL ti pul/pe de AT rik)

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to any vitamins, minerals, or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• Not if your child's drinking water has more than 0.7 parts per million of fluoride.Fluoride:

Why does my child need this drug?

• Vitamins are needed for growth and good health.
• Fluoride may be in the vitamin to stop tooth decay.

How does this drug work?

• A multivitamin will help your child get needed nutrients in his/her diet.

How is this drug given?

• Give this drug with or without food. Give with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• Give this drug at the same time of day.
• Chewable tablet may be crushed and mixed with food or chewed. Do not let your child swallow it whole.
• There is a liquid (drops) if your child cannot swallow pills.
• Children who have feeding tubes may also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after this drug is given.
• Liquid (drops) may be mixed with 2 to 3 teaspoons (10 to 15 mL) of breast milk, food, formula, or fruit juice.
• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with this drug. If there is none, get an oral syringe, a dropper, a spoon, or a cup (only for older children) from your pharmacist.
• Infants:
• Before giving any drug, your infant needs to be awake and alert. Hold your infant in your lap or put him/her in an infant seat.
• Do not put this drug in your infant's bottle.
• It may be mixed with 2 to 3 teaspoons (10 to 15 mL) of breast milk or formula.

How long does this drug take to work?

• Your child's body uses vitamins and minerals every day.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child's next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child's normal time.
• Do not give 2 doses or extra doses.
• Infants:
• If your infant throws up after taking this drug, talk with the doctor.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• If your child is taking a blood thinner, have his/her blood work checked. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Do not give dairy products within 2 hours of this multivitamin if it has fluoride.
• Purified water may not have fluoride.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals and good mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Hard stools (constipation). Drinking more liquids, working out, or adding fiber to your diet may help. Talk with your doctor about a stool softener or laxative.
• Change in color of urine to yellow or brown.
• Strong odor to urine.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• Change in tooth color. Too much fluoride and some types of fluoride may cause this.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from light.
• Protect tablets from water. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug without a drug order.
• If this drug has fluoride, your child may get it by drug order only. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If no refills are left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. If in the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or if in Canada, you may also call Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.