Geritol

For the treatment of iron deficiency anemia and folate deficiency anemia. Geritol is indicated in pregnancy for the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency and to supply a maintenance dosage of folic acid.

Treating and preventing low levels of iron in the blood caused by certain types of anemia. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Geritol is a combination of iron, vitamins, folic acid, and a stomach absorption substance. It also contains senna, which is a laxative. Geritol works by replacing iron, certain vitamins, and folic acid in your body. The stomach absorption substance helps the body to absorb Geritol. The senna is used to treat constipation that may be caused by the iron in Geritol.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: The recommended dose is one softgel daily or as directed under medical supervision to achieve a satisfactory folate-maintenance level. Some individuals may require larger doses as determined by a licensed medical practitioner.

Geritol® is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach. During times of medication transition, the amount of Geritol® may be increased as per direction of your licensed medical practitioner in order to achieve a “rescue” effect.

See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Geritol?

Geritol™ is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients. Hemochromatosis and hemosiderosis are contraindicated to iron therapy.

WARNING: ACCIDENTAL OVERDOSE OF IRON-CONTAINING PRODUCTS IS A LEADING CAUSE OF FATAL POISONING IN CHILDREN UNDER 6 YEARS OF AGE.

Use Geritol drops as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Geritol drops by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
• Geritol drops may be taken by mouth directly or mixed with fruit juice, cereal, or other food.
• Use the dropper that comes with Geritol drops to measure your dose. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure your dose.
• Shake well before each use.
• Avoid taking Geritol drops with dairy products; they may interfere with the absorption of the iron in Geritol drops.
• Do not take an antacid within several hours before or after you take Geritol drops.
• Many medicines (eg, used for infection, blood pressure, low blood platelets, osteoporosis) should not be taken at the same time as Geritol drops; their effectiveness may be decreased. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if your dose of Geritol drops should be separated from your dose of any of your other medicines.
• If you miss a dose of Geritol drops, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Geritol drops.

This combination product contains a mineral (iron) along with 3 vitamins (vitamin C, vitamin B12, and folic acid). It is used to treat or prevent a lack of these nutrients which may occur in certain health conditions (e.g., anemia, pregnancy, poor diet, surgery recovery). Iron is an important mineral that the body needs to produce red blood cells. Vitamin C improves the absorption of iron from the stomach. Vitamin B12 is important for normal blood, cells, and nerves. Folic acid is needed to form healthy cells, especially red blood cells.

Women of childbearing age should maintain adequate amounts of folic acid either through diet or supplements to prevent spinal cord birth defects.

How to use Geritol

If you are taking the over-the-counter product, read all directions on the product package before taking this medication. Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor.

This medication is best taken on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. If stomach upset occurs, you may take this medication with food. Avoid taking antacids, dairy products, tea, or coffee within 2 hours before or after this medication because they will decrease its effectiveness.

Take with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for 10 minutes after taking this medication.

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. To prevent staining the teeth, you may mix the dose in a glass of water or juice, and drink it through a straw. If your liquid form is to be given by dropper, the dose may be placed well back on the tongue and followed with water or juice. If your liquid form is a suspension, shake the bottle well before each dose.

If you are taking extended-release capsules, swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush or chew the capsules. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.

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

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What other drugs will affect Geritol?

If this drug has been prescribed, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially: certain anti-seizure drugs (e.g., phenytoin), chloramphenicol, methyldopa.

This product can decrease the absorption of other drugs such as bisphosphonates (for example, alendronate), levodopa, penicillamine, quinolone antibiotics (for example, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), thyroid medications (for example, levothyroxine), and tetracycline antibiotics (for example, doxycycline, minocycline). Therefore, separate your doses of these medications as far as possible from your doses of this product. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about how long you should wait between doses and for help finding a dosing schedule that will work with all your medications.

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (e.g., tests for blood in the stools), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

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.

See also:
What are the possible side effects of Geritol?

Applies to Geritol: tablets

Other dosage forms:

• caplets
• drops
• syrup

Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation; dark or green stools; mild diarrhea; nausea; stomach pain; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur while taking Geritol (the active ingredient contained in Geritol)

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry stools; numbness or tingling of the skin; severe or persistent stomach pain or cramping.