Multivitamins - Vitamin B Complex

Generic Name: Multivitamins - Vitamin B Complex

Brand Names:

Availability: Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Drug Class: Vitamin Supplementation

Therapeutic action

  • Vitamin supplementation

Indications

  • Few indications: this drug has no effect in case of real vitamin deficiency. Nevertheless, vitamin supplementation helps to prevent some deficiencies in people at risk (e.g. pregnant women).

Forms and strengths

  • Tablet. Composition varies in quality and quantity, with manufacturers.

Examples of composition per tablet:

 MultivitaminsB complexDaily needs (adult)
Vitamin A2500 IU/2500 IU
Vitamin B11 mg1mg0.9 to 1.3 mg
Vitamin B20.5 mg1mg1.5 to 1.8 mg
Vitamin B3 (= PP)7.5 mg15mg15 to 20 mg
Vitamin C15 mg/10 mg
Vitamin D3300 IU/100 to 200 IU

Dosage

  • Child under 5 years: 1 tablet daily 
  • Child over 5 years: 2 tablets daily 
  • Adult: 3 tablets daily

Duration

  • Depending on situation

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

  • Pregnancy: no contra-indication
  • Breast-feeding: no contra-indication

Remarks

Specific vitamin deficiencystates require appropriate doses of vitamins.Multivitamins are not included in the WHO list of essential medicines.

Storage

– Keep in a cool place (8 °C to 15 °C)