Benevit

A central respiratory stimulant with a brief duration of action. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmocopoeia, 30th ed, p1225)

Pernicious anaemia, peripheral neuritis especially diabetic and alcoholic polyneuritis, trigeminal neuritis, vomiting of pregnancy, Benevit complex deficiency, anorexia, agranulocytosis, radiation sickness, coeliac and idiopathic, steatorrhoea which are usually accompanied by malabsorption of Benevit 12 and during administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Initially 3ml i.m daily. Subsequently 2-3 times/week.

Due to its benzyl alcohol content, doxapram injection is contraindicated in neonates.

Benevit should not be used in patients with epilepsy or other convulsive disorders.

Benevit is contraindicated in patients with mechanical disorders of ventilation such as mechanical obstruction, muscle paresis, flail chest, pneumothorax, acute bronchial asthma, pulmonary fibrosis or other conditions resulting in restriction of chest wall, muscles of respiration or alveolar expansion.

Benevit is contraindicated in patients with evidence of head injury or cerebral vascular accident and in those with significant cardiovascular impairment, severe hypertension, or known hypersensitivity to the drug or any of the injection components.

This product is a combination of B vitamins used to treat or prevent vitamin deficiency due to poor diet, certain illnesses, alcoholism, or during pregnancy. Vitamins are important building blocks of the body and help keep you in good health. B vitamins include thiamine, riboflavin, niacin/niacinamide, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, and pantothenic acid.

Some brands of B vitamins also contain ingredients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, biotin, or zinc. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the ingredients in your brand.

How to use Benevit

Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily or as directed. Follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you are taking a brand that contains vitamin C, take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise.

If you are taking chewable tablets, chew the tablet thoroughly before swallowing.

If you are taking extended-release capsules, swallow them whole. Do not crush or chew extended-release capsules or tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split extended-release tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.

If you are taking a liquid product, use a medication-measuring device to carefully measure the dose. Do not use a household spoon. Some liquid products need to be shaken before each dose. Some products that contain vitamin B12 need to be placed under the tongue and held there before swallowing. Follow label directions carefully to get the most benefit.

Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

If you are taking this product under your doctor's direction, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not stop, start, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: altretamine, cisplatin, certain antibiotics (e.g., chloramphenicol), certain anti-seizure drugs (e.g., phenytoin), levodopa, other vitamin/nutritional supplements.

This product may interfere with certain laboratory tests (e.g., urobilinogen, intrinsic factor antibodies), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this product.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Mild upset stomach or flushing may occur. These effects are usually temporary and may disappear as your body adjusts to this product. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to take this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.