Drug reference

Multivitamin

Vitamin · Vitamin and mineral supplementation; nutritional support

Also known as Multivitamin with Minerals, Vitamin/Mineral Supplement, Nutritional Supplement

VitaminVitamin and mineral supplementation; nutritional supportATC A11AA

CDSCO approvedOTCJan AushadhiATC A11AA

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

—

none in our sources

PREGNANCY

Generally considered safe and often recommended as prenatal supplements in appropriate doses. However, excessive doses of certain vitamins, particularly Vitamin A (>10,000 IU/day), can be teratogenic. Consult a physician for specific recommendations.

FDA category + note

Available in India

0 branded formulations and 2 fixed-dose combinations. Look up specific brands in the Drugs workspace.

Jan Aushadhi — generic available at GoI pharmacies

Mechanism

Multivitamins provide essential vitamins and minerals that act as coenzymes or cofactors in numerous metabolic pathways, facilitate cellular functions, support immune response, and contribute to structural integrity. They help prevent and correct deficiencies, thereby optimizing physiological processes and overall health by ensuring adequate availability of crucial micronutrients for various enzymatic reactions and cellular processes.

Indications

Prevention and treatment of vitamin and mineral deficiencies due to inadequate dietary intakeIncreased nutritional requirements (e.g., pregnancy, lactation, periods of rapid growth, strenuous physical activity, chronic illness)Malabsorption syndromes (e.g., celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, post-bariatric surgery)Convalescence from illness or surgerySupport for overall health and well-beingCorrection of specific micronutrient deficiencies as part of a broader nutritional strategy (off-label)

Dosing

Adult: Typically 1 tablet or capsule once daily with a meal, or as directed by a physician. Specific dosing varies by product formulation and individual needs.
Pediatric: Varies by age and weight. Infant drops: 0.5-1 mL daily; Children's chewables/syrups: 1-2 doses daily, as per age-specific recommendations on the product label and under medical supervision.
Renal adjustment: Use with caution in severe renal impairment, particularly formulations high in fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) or minerals like magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. Dosages may need to be reduced or products with specific mineral profiles selected; consult nephrologist.
Hepatic adjustment: Generally no specific dose adjustment required. However, severe hepatic impairment may affect absorption or metabolism of certain fat-soluble vitamins; monitor clinical status.
Geriatric: Generally, adult dosing applies. Specific geriatric formulations are available; however, consider renal/hepatic function and potential polypharmacy interactions.
Max dose: Highly variable depending on the specific vitamin and mineral composition and the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for each nutrient. Exceeding recommended daily allowances significantly increases the risk of toxicity, especially for fat-soluble vitamins and certain minerals.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Nutritional effects are gradual and sustained over time, not an acute pharmacological effect. Clinical benefits typically manifest over weeks to months of consistent supplementation.

Peak effect

Highly variable depending on the specific vitamin/mineral, formulation, and presence of food. Absorption typically occurs within hours of ingestion.

Duration

Varies widely. Water-soluble vitamins have shorter durations due to rapid excretion, while fat-soluble vitamins can accumulate in the body.

Half-life

Extremely varied among individual vitamins and minerals. Water-soluble vitamins generally have short half-lives (hours), while fat-soluble vitamins can have half-lives ranging from days to months.

Bioavailability

Highly variable, influenced by the chemical form of the nutrient, co-ingestion with food or other nutrients, digestive health, and specific transport mechanisms. Absorption efficiency varies greatly among components.

Protein binding

Varies considerably among individual vitamins and minerals (e.g., Vitamin D and A are highly protein-bound in circulation).

Metabolism

Varies extensively. Water-soluble vitamins often function as coenzymes directly or after minor modifications. Fat-soluble vitamins undergo hepatic metabolism. Minerals are not metabolized in the traditional sense but are absorbed and utilized.

Excretion

Water-soluble vitamins are primarily excreted unchanged or as metabolites via the kidneys. Fat-soluble vitamins are primarily excreted via biliary and fecal routes after hepatic metabolism. Minerals are excreted renally or fecally.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation
Known hypervitaminosis (e.g., hypervitaminosis A or D)
Hemochromatosis or hemosiderosis (if formulation contains iron)
Wilson's disease (if formulation contains copper)
Severe renal impairment with accumulation risk of certain minerals (e.g., potassium, magnesium, phosphorus)

Side effects

Common

NauseaVomitingDiarrhea or constipationUpset stomachUnpleasant taste in mouthDarkening of urine (due to riboflavin)

Serious

Hypervitaminosis (e.g., Vitamin A toxicity leading to liver damage, bone pain; Vitamin D toxicity leading to hypercalcemia, renal impairment)
Iron toxicity (especially in children, can be fatal upon accidental ingestion of adult formulations)
Allergic reactions (rare, including rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing)
Neuropathy (e.g., from chronic excessive Vitamin B6 intake)
Interactions with medications (e.g., Vitamin K with anticoagulants, calcium/magnesium with certain antibiotics leading to reduced efficacy)
Add "Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) with levodopa (reduces efficacy in Parkinson's)" to medication interactions.
Add "Multivitamins with minerals with baloxavir (decreased absorption/efficacy)" to medication interactions.

Pregnancy & lactation

Pregnancy

Lactation

Generally considered safe and often recommended during lactation to meet increased maternal and infant nutritional needs. Use recommended doses to avoid potential overdose in the infant via breast milk.