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Geritol can be used to help meet nutritional needs when you do not get enough vitamins and minerals in the things you eat and drink. Geritol is usually well tolerated. Geritol comes in liquid form if you prefer that or if you have trouble swallowing tablets.

Uses

What is Geritol used for?

Geritol is commonly used to make sure you get enough vitamins and minerals if you do not get them from the things you eat and drink.

Geritol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Geritol work (mechanism of action)?

Geritol works to provide you with vitamins and minerals if you do not get enough of them in the things that you eat and drink. The active ingredients in Geritol can vary based on the specific product, but they typically include vitamins and minerals. Always check the label to see what ingredients your product has. Your body uses these vitamins and minerals for many different functions, including growth, energy, and staying healthy.

How is Geritol supplied (dosage forms)?

Geritol is available as a supplement in various forms and strengths, including an oral liquid and tablet.

How should I store Geritol?

Geritol should be stored below 77 F (25 C). Do not freeze liquid Geritol. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Geritol?

Geritol products are usually well tolerated. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Geritol?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Geritol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Geritol may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Geritol and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Geritol?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Geritol.

  • Geritol
  • Minerals
  • Vitamins
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Geritol.

What should I know about Geritol before using it?

There are several Geritol products, each with different ingredients. If you are not sure which Geritol product to take, talk to your health care provider.

Read and follow the directions on your Geritol package or take it as your health care provider recommends. Do not take more than the recommended dose.

Geritol has iron in it. Accidental iron overdoses can lead to death, especially in children younger than 6 years old. Keep Geritol out of the reach of children.

Shake liquid Geritol products before measuring your dose. This helps to make sure you get the right amount of medicine. Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose of Geritol liquid. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.

Liquid Geritol products may stain your teeth. If liquid Geritol stains your teeth, brush your teeth using baking soda, baking soda toothpaste, or 3% hydrogen peroxide to get rid of stains. Use the following suggestions to reduce the risk of Geritol staining your teeth.

  • Mix liquid Geritol with water or juice before taking it.
  • Use a straw or dropper to take liquid Geritol to keep it from touching your teeth.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Geritol?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Geritol is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Certain health conditions may make it difficult for you to get all the vitamins and minerals you need from things you eat and drink. Check with your health care provider before taking Geritol if you have any of the following conditions.

  • Absorption problems
  • Follow a low-calorie diet
  • Struggle with a decreased appetite
  • Follow a vegetarian or vegan diet
  • Are older than 50 years old

Other Medicines and Supplements. Geritol may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Geritol, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Geritol while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Geritol while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Geritol?

For more information about Geritol, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.geritol.com or call them at 855-874-0970.

Interactions

Does Geritol interact with foods or drinks?

Oral Tablets. Take Geritol tablets right before, during, or after a meal.

Oral Liquid. Take Geritol liquid after a meal.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Geritol. Be aware that liquid Geritol has alcohol in it. 

Does Geritol interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking warfarin, which is a blood thinner, before taking Geritol.

This may not be the only medicine that can interact with Geritol. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Geritol?

If you or someone else has used too much Geritol, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Geritol?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.