Centrum Side Effects
Summary
No common side effects have been reported with Centrum tablets. The most common side effects of Centrum liquid are constipation, diarrhea, nausea, dark stools, upset stomach, and vomiting. These side effects usually do not require medical attention however, if they become bothersome you should notify your doctor.
Common Centrum Side Effects
No common side effects have been reported with Centrum tablets. If you experience a side effect while taking Centrum tablets, contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. The following Centrum side effects have been reported when using the liquid form of this product:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dark stools
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
The side effects listed above usually do not require medical attention as they will commonly diminish when your body adjusts to the medication. Your doctor may also be able to advise you of ways to reduce or prevent these common side effects from occurring. However, if any persist or become bothersome you should notify your doctor to discuss alternative solutions.
Serious Centrum Side Effects
An allergic reaction can occur with Centrum tablets or liquid. If you experience any of the following symptoms indicating an allergic reaction, get emergency medical help right away.
- Tightness in chest
- Swelling of lips, face, throat, or tongue
- Difficulty breathing
- Rash, hives, or itching
No additional severe side effects have been reported with Centrum tablets. Other side effects can occur with Centrum liquid that are not indicative of an allergic reaction but that are still very serious. If you experience any of the following severe side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
- Blood in vomit
- Persistent nausea
- Black, tarry stools
- Persistent vomiting
- Persistent diarrhea
- Stomach pain
Existing Medical Conditions
It is important to notify your doctor of all medications that you are taking prior to starting a new one, this includes vitamins, supplements, herbs, over the counter, and prescription medications. You should not take any other vitamins in large quantities while you are taking Centrum. Talk to your doctor before taking this supplement if you are allergic to any medications, foods, or other substances to ensure you can safely take it. You should also talk to your doctor before taking Centrum if you have anemia, liver problems, or metabolism problems.
Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should consult with a doctor before taking Centrum as the effects of this supplement on a newborn are not known. Women who are breastfeeding should also talk to their doctor about potential risks, it is not known if Centrum passes through breast milk or the effects it may have on a newborn.
Toxicity
Over consuming Centrum can lead to mineral toxicity; the most common symptoms of mineral toxicity are diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset. Vitamin toxicity can also occur if Centrum vitamins are taken in larger amounts than directed. Vitamin toxicity most commonly occurs with fat soluble vitamins that are stored in the fat cells of the body. Vitamin A is an example of a fat soluble vitamin that could cause vitamin toxicity; symptoms of vitamin A toxicity include dry, itchy, and peeling skin. It is important to take Centrum vitamins exactly as directed and not in larger than recommended doses.
Other Medications
It is important to inform your doctor of all over the counter, prescription, and herbal medications that you are taking prior to starting a new one. If you are taking any of the following medications, notify your doctor as they may cause a dangerous interaction to occur if taken with Centrum.
- Acitretin or anticoagulant medications
- Levodopa or penicillamine
- Bisphosphonate
- Quinolone or tetracycline antibiotics
Centrum vitamins are available in several formulas designed to meet the specific needs of different ages, genders, and conditions. Certain medications could cause a dangerous interaction to occur if taken with Centrum; inform your doctor of all medications that you are taking prior to taking this product. If you experience a serious side effect or a common one becomes bothersome while taking Centrum liquid, notify your doctor to discuss alternative solutions.
