Emergen-C is a dietary supplement containing vitamin C and other vitamins and minerals. It comes in powered form to be added to water or any beverage. Emergen-C can be purchased in many drugstores, grocery stores and online. It helps support the immune system and may help protect against illnesses such as the cold and the flu. Pregnancy lowers the immune system and can increase a woman’s susceptibility to illness. Emergen-C may be a way to help strengthen the immune system, but you should talk to your doctor or midwife prior to using Emergen-C during pregnancy. Emergen-C has many different formulas, any of which may be appropriate during pregnancy with your doctor’s blessing. The Original Formula contains 1,000 mg of vitamin C to boost the immune system. Five different specialty formulas such as the Bone Health Formula, Joint Health, Heart Health, Energy Booster and Immune Defense. The Multi-Vitamin Plus formula provides additional vitamins and minerals. Ingredients of Emergen-C vary depending on the formula and flavor chosen.
Most of the packets are sweetened by fructose and contain vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid, zinc ascorbate and chromium ascorbate. Fruit and vegetable juice powders are used in some of the formulas for both flavor and color. Some formulations such as the Bone Health formula contain a natural sweetener known as stevia. Stevia is considered an herb but its safety for pregnant women has not been tested. Prenatal vitamins are recommended by obstetricians and midwives for most pregnant women. If you are already taking a prenatal vitamin, avoid taking too much of any one vitamin. If taking a prenatal vitamin combined with Emergen-C causes you to go over 100 percent of the recommended dietary allowances of any vitamins or minerals, discuss the safety with your doctor. Emergen-C may not be recommended for some pregnant women depending on underlying medical conditions in the mother. Melinda Johnson, a dietitian on Baby Center, explains that the daily intake of vitamin C for pregnant women should remain under 2,000 mg per day.
Excessive amounts of vitamin C may increase the risk of premature birth and therefore is not recommended. Consult your doctor before taking Emergen-C, especially if you have pregnancy complications or are high risk for delivering prematurely. Should Emergen-C Be Taken Daily? Emergen-C & Weight Loss Does Emergen-C Help With Acne? What Are the Benefits of Emergen C Drink? The Effects of Emergen-C Is Emergen-C Safe for Kids? How to Take Emergen C Excessive Vitamin C in Early Pregnancy What Are the Benefits of Ester-C? Can You Take Cough Drops When You Are Pregnant? What Does High Vitamin C While Breast-feeding Do? Is Elderberry Juice Safe During Pregnancy? How Much Vitamin C & Zinc Can I Take While Pregnant? Should I Take Vitamin C in Powder or Pill Form? Vitamins to Stop Viruses Foods That Strengthen the Immune SystemIs it safe to take vitamin C during pregnancy? Yes, although it's not a good idea to take megadoses of vitamin C when you're pregnant.
There's some limited evidence that taking too much vitamin C in the form of supplements during pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm birth. Excessive vitamin C can also upset your stomach.The recommended daily amount of vitamin C during pregnancy is 85 milligrams (mg) per day for women age 19 and older, and 80 mg for women ages 14 to 18. The maximum daily amount that's considered safe for women in these same age groups is 2,000 mg and 1,800 mg respectively.Your best bet is to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables every day, including at least one food rich in vitamin C. Good sources of vitamin C include orange juice, kiwis, red peppers, and strawberries.And if you're taking a prenatal vitamin, you're probably getting plenty of vitamin C, so there's no need to take a supplement.2013. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) drugs and supplements. /drugs-supplements/vitamin-c/dosing/hrb-20060322 [Accessed June 2016]ODS. 2016. Vitamin C. Office of Dietary Supplements. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/#h8 [Accessed June 2016]Rumbold A, Crowther CA. 2010.
Vitamin C supplementation in pregnancy. What physical activities are safe for me and my baby during pregnancy? See all pregnancy, parenting, and birth videos Have an Emergen-C question? Browse through our frequently asked questions for answers to the most commonly asked Emergen-C questions.This medicine is a combination of many different vitamins and minerals that are normally found in foods and other natural sources.Multivitamins and minerals are used to provide substances that are not taken in through the diet. Multivitamins and minerals are also used to treat vitamin or mineral deficiencies caused by illness, pregnancy, poor nutrition, digestive disorders, certain medications, and many other conditions.Multivitamins and minerals may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.Never take more than the recommended dose of multivitamins and minerals.An overdose of vitamins A, D, E, or K can cause serious or life-threatening side effects if taken in large doses.
Certain minerals may also cause serious overdose symptoms if you take too much.Do not take this medication with milk, other dairy products, calcium supplements, or antacids that contain calcium.Multivitamins and minerals can cause serious or life-threatening side effects if taken in large doses. Do not take more of this medicine than directed on the label or prescribed by your doctor.Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use multivitamins and minerals if you have other medical conditions or allergies.Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy. Do not take this medicine without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Some vitamins and minerals can harm an unborn baby if taken in large doses. You may need to use a prenatal vitamin specially formulated for pregnant women.It is not known whether multivitamins and minerals passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Your dose needs may be different while you are nursing. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Emergen-C Side EffectsGet emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.Minerals (especially taken in large doses) can cause side effects such as tooth staining, increased urination, stomach bleeding, uneven heart rate, confusion, and muscle weakness or limp feeling.When taken as directed, multivitamins and minerals are not expected to cause serious side effects. Common side effects may include:upset stomach;headache; orunusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth.This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.Emergen-C InteractionsAvoid taking more than one vitamin/mineral product at the same time unless your doctor tells you to. Taking similar vitamin products together can result in a vitamin overdose or serious side effects.Avoid the regular use of salt substitutes in your diet if your multivitamin and mineral contains potassium.
If you are on a low-salt diet, ask your doctor before taking a vitamin or mineral supplement.Do not take this medicine with milk, other dairy products, calcium supplements, or antacids that contain calcium. Calcium may make it harder for your body to absorb certain minerals.Vitamin and mineral supplements can interact with certain medications, or affect how medications work in your body. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use multivitamins and minerals if you are also using any of the following drugs:tretinoin or isotretinoin;an antacid;an antibiotic;a diuretic or "water pill";heart or blood pressure medications;a sulfa drug; orNSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with multivitamins and minerals, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
Emergen-C DosageUse exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.Never take more than the recommended dose of multivitamins and minerals. Avoid taking more than one multivitamin product at the same time unless your doctor tells you to. Taking similar products together can result in a vitamin or mineral overdose or serious side effects.Read the label of any vitamin and mineral product you take to make sure you are aware of what it contains.Take this medicine with a full glass of water. Avoid milk or other dairy products.The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Use multivitamins and minerals regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the liquid medicine from freezing.Store this medicine in its original container. Storing multivitamins in a glass container can ruin the medication.Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include increased thirst or urination, severe nausea or stomach pain, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, black and tarry stools, hair loss, peeling skin, tingly feeling in or around your mouth, changes in menstrual periods, weight loss, severe headache, severe back pain, blood in your urine, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, severe drowsiness, slow heart rate, shallow breathing, weak and rapid pulse, confusion, muscle weakness, cold and clammy skin, blue lips, and seizure (convulsions).Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.Copyright 1996-2017 Cerner Multum, Inc.Latest Update: 3/8/2017, Version: 2.07