Vitamins and minerals are crucial components in the functioning and development of your body. The main source of vitamins and iron commonly comes from a healthy diet. However, due to certain conditions, the body may not absorb these nutrients through food, and in such cases, Geritol can be used. So, what are the benefits of Geritol?
1. What are the benefits of Geritol?
What are the benefits of Geritol? Geritol is a combination of various vitamins and iron used to treat or prevent vitamin deficiencies caused by an inadequate diet, illnesses, or during pregnancy. Vitamins and iron are vital components for building the body and maintaining good health.
2. Instructions for using Geritol
Geritol is taken orally, usually once a day or as directed. Follow all instructions on the product packaging or as prescribed by your doctor, you do not exceed the recommended dosage. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
For the best results, take Geritol on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. You should drink the medication with a full glass of water (about 240 ml) unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If you experience stomachache, you may take Geritol with food. Besides, you also avoid using antacids, dairy products, tea, or coffee within 2 hours before or after taking Geritol. Additionally, patients do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking Geritol.
3. Side effects of Geritol
Geritol may cause constipation, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. These effects are usually temporary and subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If any side effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
The iron in Geritol may cause your stools to appear black, which is harmless. Severe allergic reactions to Geritol are rare, these symptoms include rash, itching and swelling in the face, tongue, throat, dizziness, and dyspnea (difficulty breathing).
4. Precautions of Geritol
Before using Geritol, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to any of its components or have other allergies.
Before taking Geritol, you should provide your doctor or pharmacist with your medical history, especially if you have conditions like iron overload disorders (for example, hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis), alcohol abuse, liver issues, or stomach/intestinal problems (for example, ulcers, and colitis).
If you are taking a multivitamin containing folic acid, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anemia). Folic acid may affect the result of the test for vitamin B12 deficiency. An undiagnosed vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to serious neurological problems (for example peripheral neuropathy).
Notify your doctor if you are pregnant before using Geritol. Consult your doctor before using Geritol if you are breastfeeding.
5. Drug interactions with Geritol
Drug interactions may alter how Geritol works or increase the risk of serious side effects. Some products that may interact with Geritol include: Chloramphenicol, Methyldopa, and other vitamin/nutritional supplements.
- Geritol may decrease the absorption of other drugs, such as Bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate), Levodopa, Penicillin antibiotics, Quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), Thyroid medications (e.g., levothyroxine), Tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, minocycline). So, you should separate the dosing time of these medications as far apart as possible from Geritol.
- When using any multivitamin product containing folic acid (including Geritol), inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are also taking antiepileptic drugs like phenytoin…
- Geritol may interfere with certain lab tests, leading to incorrect results. Inform lab personnel and your healthcare providers that you are using this medication. Symptoms of a Geritol overdose may include stomachache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Do not use Geritol as a substitute for a balanced diet. We need to remember that: the best sources of vitamins and minerals are healthy foods. Following a balanced diet and adhering to dietary recommendations from your doctor is the most effective way to supplement vitamins and minerals.
- If you miss a dose of Geritol, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is near the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose, resume your regular schedule, and do not double the dose. Store Geritol at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not store it in the bathroom, keep it out of reach of children and pets.
- Do not flush Geritol down the toilet or pour it into a drain, dispose of the product properly when it is expired or no longer needed.
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Reference source: webmd.com
