Tozal

Tozal™ is indicated for the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency anemia and/or nutritional megaloblastic anemias.1

This medicine is a combination of many different vitamins and Minerals (Tozal) that are normally found in foods and other natural sources.

Multivitamins (Tozal) and Minerals (Tozal) are used to provide substances that are not taken in through the diet. Multivitamins (Tozal) and Minerals (Tozal) are also used to treat vitamin or mineral deficiencies caused by illness, pregnancy, poor nutrition, digestive disorders, certain medications, and many other conditions.

Multivitamins (Tozal) and Minerals (Tozal) may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Take three softgels daily. TOZAL should be taken with food.

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

Tozal™ is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to any of the components of this product. Hemolytic anemia, hemochromatosis and hemosiderosis are contraindications to iron therapy.

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

• Take Tozal by mouth with food or a liquid.
• Gently shake the bottle several times to mix the powder.
• Use the scoop that comes with Tozal to measure your dose. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure your dose.
• Tozal must be mixed with moist food or a thickened liquid before taking.
• Do not take an antacid within several hours before or after you take Tozal.
• Avoid taking Tozal with dairy products; they may interfere with the absorption of the iron in Tozal.
• Many medicines (eg, used for infection, blood pressure, low blood platelets, osteoporosis, thyroid problems) should not be taken at the same time as Tozal; their effectiveness may be decreased. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if your dose of Tozal should be separated from your dose of any of your other medicines.
• If you miss a dose of Tozal for 1 or more days, there is no cause for concern. If your doctor recommended that you take it, try to remember your dose every day.

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

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 Tozal

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.

See also:
What other drugs will affect Tozal?

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 Tozal?

Applies to multivitamin with iron: 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 multivitamin with iron (the active ingredient contained in Tozal)

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.