Multivitamin with iron is a supplement that contains different vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional substances, including iron.

Iron is a mineral that’s normally found in foods like red meat. In your body, iron is part of hemoglobin — a protein that carries oxygen from the lungs throughout the body and helps muscles store and use oxygen.

Multivitamin with iron is taken to provide vitamins and iron that you don’t get through diet alone.

It’s used to treat a vitamin or iron deficiency caused by different conditions, including poor nutrition, pregnancy, blood loss, digestive disorders, and other health issues.

This supplement is available as both an over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medicine. OTC products have lower amounts of iron than prescription forms.

It’s best to discuss the type of supplementation you require with your doctor.

uses

What is Multivitamin With Iron (Geritol) used for?

Anemia Associated with Chemotherapy
Anemia Associated with Chronic Renal Failure
Aplastic Anemia
Megaloblastic Anemia
Pernicious Anemia
Anemia
Hemolytic Anemia
G-6-PD Deficiency
Thalassemia
Sickle Cell Anemia
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Hemoglobinopathy
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Anemia Associated with Folate Deficiency
Anemia Associated with Iron Deficiency
Anemia of Unspecified Nutritional Deficiency
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Anemia Associated with Acute Blood Loss
Anemia Associated with Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Pancytopenia
Pure Red Cell Aplasia

warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Multivitamin With Iron (Geritol)?

Iron and certain vitamins 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 take a multivitamins with iron if you have other medical conditions.

Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant. Some vitamins and minerals can harm an unborn baby if taken in large doses. You may need to use a prenatal vitamin specially formulated for pregnant women.

Your dose needs may also be different while you are nursing. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Multivitamin With Iron (Geritol)?

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

When taken as directed, multivitamins are not expected to cause serious side effects.

Call your doctor if you have:

bright red blood in your stools; or
pain in your chest or throat when swallowing a tablet.

Common side effects may include:

constipation, diarrhea;
nausea, vomiting, heartburn;
stomach pain, upset stomach;
black or dark-colored stools or urine;
temporary staining of the teeth;
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.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Can I take Multivitamin With Iron (Geritol) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Risk cannot be ruled out

Based on FDA pregnancy categories

Your dose needs may also be different while you are nursing. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Interactions

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Multivitamin With Iron (Geritol)?

Avoid taking any other multivitamin product within 2 hours before or after you take multivitamins with iron. Taking similar vitamin products together at the same time can result in a vitamin overdose or serious side effects.

Avoid taking an antibiotic medicine within 2 hours before or after you take multivitamins with iron. This is especially important if you are taking an antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin norfloxacin, doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline, and others.

Certain foods can also make it harder for your body to absorb iron. Avoid taking this multivitamin within 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating fish, meat, liver, and whole grain or "fortified" breads or cereals.

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 ingredients of the multivitamin.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Multivitamin With Iron (Geritol)?

Use Multivitamin With Iron (Geritol) 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 this medicine as directed on the label, or as your doctor has prescribed. Do not use the medicine in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Never take more than the recommended dose of multivitamins with iron. Avoid taking any other multivitamin product within 2 hours before or after you take multivitamins with iron. Taking similar vitamin products together at the same time can result in a vitamin overdose or serious side effects.

Many multivitamin products also contain minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. 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. Read the label of any multivitamin product you take to make sure you are aware of what it contains.

You may take the medicine with food if it upsets your stomach.

The chewable tablet must be chewed or allowed to dissolve in the mouth before swallowing.

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Liquid or powder multivitamin may sometimes be mixed with water, fruit juice, or infant formula (but not milk or other dairy products). Follow the mixing directions on the medicine label.

Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release capsule or tablet. Swallow it whole.

It is important to take multivitamins with iron regularly to get the most benefit.

Store in the original container at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid to freeze.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Multivitamin With Iron (Geritol)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose Signs

What happens if I overdose on Multivitamin With Iron (Geritol)?

Overdose symptoms may include severe stomach pain, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, coughing up blood, constipation, loss of appetite, hair loss, peeling skin, warmth or tingly feeling, changes in menstrual periods, weight loss, severe headache, muscle or joint pain, severe back pain, blood in your urine or stools, black and tarry stools, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, weakness, shallow breathing, weak and rapid pulse, pale skin, blue lips, and seizure (convulsions).

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Multivitamin With Iron (Geritol), call your doctor or the Poison Control center

(800) 222-1222

If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Multivitamin With Iron (Geritol), call 911

911