PRENATAL VITAMINS= DIAREHEA

  I HAVE  BEEN PUT ON A PRENATAL VITAMIN CALLED ETHEX(MANUFACTURER) WELL
  IT GIVES ME ANNOYING DIAREHEA I WAS WONDERING IF ANYONE HAD ANY SUGGESTIONS IT SAYS TAKE WITHOUT FOOD 1 HR BEFORE OR 2 HRS AFTER WOULD THERE BE ANY ADVERSE AFFECTS IF I TOOK IT WITH FOOD ?
  THANKYOU VERY MUCH
  SHELLIE
Dear Shellie:
I looked at the prescribing information for several widely-used prenatal vitamins (Prenata, Stuartnatal, Materna) and none carry any restriction regarding taking the medication on an empty stomach.
I am unable to find the name Ethex as a medication or a manufacturer(I used the Physician Desk Reference).
Medications are taken on an empty stomach because it may complex with food or because it is harmed by the digestive enzymes/acidity. I must assume that an ingredient in the medication prescribed has this limitation and taking the medication with food will undoe the benefits. Hence, when medications carry the label, Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, the timing is important.
I suggest you discuss the rationale for this particular vitamin, the side effect you are having, and the availability of other formulations that can be taken with food to avoid GI upset.
This information is provided for education purposes only and is not a medical consultation. If you have specific questions, please contact your physician.