What Is Centrum?
 
This medicine is a combination of many different vitamins and minerals that are normally found in foods and other natural sources.
Multivitamins and minerals are used to provide substances that are not taken in through the diet. Multivitamins and minerals are also used to treat vitamin or mineral deficiencies caused by illness, pregnancy, poor nutrition, digestive disorders, certain medications, and many other conditions.
Multivitamins and minerals may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Never take more than the recommended dose of multivitamins and minerals.
An overdose of vitamins A, D, E, or K can cause serious or life-threatening side effects if taken in large doses. Certain minerals may also cause serious overdose symptoms if you take too much.
Do not take this medication with milk, other dairy products, calcium supplements, or antacids that contain calcium.
Multivitamins and minerals 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 use multivitamins and minerals if you have other medical conditions or allergies.
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy. Some vitamins and minerals can be harmful if taken in large doses. You may need to use a specially formulated prenatal vitamin.
 
Centrum Side Effects
 
When taken as directed, multivitamins and minerals are not expected to cause serious side effects. Common side effects may include:
upset stomach;
headache; or
unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth.
 
Avoid taking more than one multivitamin product at the same time unless your doctor tells you to. Taking similar products together can result in an overdose or serious side effects.
Avoid the use of salt substitutes in your diet if your multivitamin and mineral contains potassium. If you are on a low-salt diet, ask your doctor before taking a vitamin or mineral supplement.
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 minerals.
Vitamin and mineral supplements can interact with certain medications, or affect how medications work in your body. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using multivitamins and minerals with any other medications, especially:
tretinoin or isotretinoin;
an antacid;
an antibiotic;
a diuretic or "water pill";
heart or blood pressure medications;
a sulfa drug; or
NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.
 
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Never take more than the recommended dose of multivitamins and minerals.
Read the label of any vitamin and mineral product you take to make sure you are aware of what it contains.
Take this medicine with a full glass of water. Avoid milk or other dairy products.
You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.
Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Dissolve the effervescent tablet in at least 4 ounces of water. Stir and drink this mixture right away.
Swallow a capsule or tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
Use multivitamins and minerals regularly to get the most benefit.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the liquid medicine from freezing.
Store this medicine in its original container. Storing multivitamins in a glass container can ruin the medication.