Oracal-M Tablet

Vitamin and mineral supplement (this general information applies to multi-ingredient vitamin/mineral products) for:

• Preventing or correcting vitamin and mineral deficiencies due to poor diet, illness, recovery after surgery or infection, or increased needs
• Elderly people, people on restricted diets, and those with malabsorption
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding (special prenatal formulas with folic acid and iron)
• Children's formulas for growing children with poor appetite or diet

Adults: usually 1 tablet/capsule daily with or after a meal, or as stated on the pack.

Syrup (children): as stated on the pack for the child's age — commonly 5 ml once or twice daily.

Prenatal formulas: 1 daily, from before conception if possible, through pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• Do not take more than one multivitamin product at the same time without advice.
• Swallow with water; fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed better with food.
• Follow the dose on the specific product label — compositions differ.

• Allergy to any ingredient
• High calcium or vitamin D levels, or high iron (haemochromatosis) — for products containing these
• Severe kidney impairment (products with minerals) unless prescribed
• Products with vitamin A in high doses: avoid in pregnancy unless designed for pregnancy

Usually well tolerated.

Common: mild stomach upset, nausea, constipation or dark stools (iron), bright yellow urine (riboflavin, harmless), unpleasant taste.

Rare: allergic reactions; with excess long-term use — vitamin A or D toxicity, iron overload.

• A supplement is not a substitute for a balanced diet.
• Keep iron-containing products out of reach of children — iron overdose is dangerous for children.
• Smokers should avoid high-dose beta-carotene products.
• Tell the doctor about supplements before blood tests (biotin can interfere with some tests) and surgery.

Use prenatal formulas designed for pregnancy (folic acid 400 microgram daily; avoid high-dose vitamin A). Suitable during breastfeeding at recommended doses.

• Products with calcium, iron, zinc or magnesium reduce absorption of tetracyclines, quinolones (ciprofloxacin), levothyroxine and bisphosphonates — take 2–4 hours apart
• Vitamin K-containing products may affect warfarin
• Folic acid may reduce levels of phenytoin
• Avoid combining with other supplements containing vitamin A, D or iron

Accidental overdose in children (especially iron-containing products) needs urgent medical care: vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness. Chronic overdose may cause vitamin A/D toxicity.

Store below 30°C in a dry place, tightly closed and out of the reach of children.