What is Prenatal: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Prenatal overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • BP MultiNatal Plus, Bal-Care DHA Essential, C-Nate DHA, Classic Prenatal, CitraNatal Rx, CitraNatal Medley, CitraNatal Harmony, CitraNatal Essence, CitraNatal DHA, CitraNatal B-Calm, CitraNatal Assure, CitraNatal 90 DHA, Centrum Specialist Prenatal, Carlson PreNatal Multiple With DHA, Bal-Care DHA

Generic Names:

  • Prenatal Vitamins

Uses:

  • Prenatal vitamins are used to supplement the diet during pregnancy and during breast feeding.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Vitamin Combination, Adult Formula, Antidote, Nutriceutical, Probiotic, Vitamin/Mineral/Iron Combination, Adult Formula, Vitamin/Mineral/Iron Combination, Pediatric Formula, Vitamin/Mineral/Nutriceutical Combination, Adult Formula, Vitamin/Mineral Combination, Adult Formula, Vitamin B Combination, Vitamin Combination, Prenatal Formula, Vitamin Combination

Forms:

  • Spray, Kit, Coated Tablet, Capsule, Chewable Tablet, Liquid Filled Capsule, Powder, Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What form(s) does Prenatal come in

  • Spray

  • Kit

  • Coated Tablet

  • Capsule

  • Chewable Tablet

  • Liquid Filled Capsule

  • Powder

  • Tablet

What are common Prenatal doses?

  • Bottle 30 Tablets

  • Bottle 60 Tablets

  • Bottle 100 Tablets

  • Bottle 120 Tablets

  • Tablet 27-1MG

  • Tablet 27-0.8MG

Common Prenatal prescriptions

  • Prenatal
    100 tablets bottle

  • Prenatal
    30 tablets bottle

  • Prenatal
    27-0.8mg tablet

  • Prenatal
    27-1mg tablet

How to take Prenatal

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Swallow the tablet, enteric coated tablet, capsule, or liquid filled capsule whole. Do not break, chew, or crush it.

  • The chewable tablet should be chewed completely before you swallow it.

  • Dissolve the powder in 4 to 5 ounces of water and drink the mixture right away.

  • Spray the mouth spray on the inside of your cheek. Hold the medicine in your mouth for about 30 seconds, then swallow.

  • Swallow the tablet, enteric coated tablet, capsule, or liquid filled capsule whole. Do not break, chew, or crush it.

  • Spray the mouth spray on the inside of your cheek. Hold the medicine in your mouth for about 30 seconds, then swallow.

  • Dissolve the powder in 4 to 5 ounces of water and drink the mixture right away.

  • The chewable tablet should be chewed completely before you swallow it.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

What to do if you miss a dose of Prenatal

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Prenatal contraindications

  • You should not use prenatal vitamins if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a vitamin or mineral supplement.

Prenatal warnings

  • This medicine might have enough iron to poison a small child. Be very careful to keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If a child does swallow some of this medicine, call a doctor or poison control center right away.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease or have ever had kidney stones. Tell your doctor if you have blood problems such as pernicious anemia or too much iron.

  • You should not use certain brands of this medicine if you have kidney disease or are on dialysis, because they may harm your kidneys. Ask your caregiver what brands are best for you.

Prenatal interactions

  • You should not use other vitamin and mineral supplements while you are using prenatal vitamins.

  • There are many drugs that can interact with a prenatal multivitamin. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.

  • This medicine might have enough iron to poison a small child. Be very careful to keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If a child does swallow some of this medicine, call a doctor or poison control center right away.

Prenatal side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Dark stools or constipation.

  • Mild nausea.

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Mild nausea.

  • Dark stools or constipation.