Precare Tab

Precare Tablet (Multivitamins & Multiminerals — Prenatal Preparation)

Manufacturer: Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Generic Name: Multivitamins & Multiminerals [A-Z Prenatal Preparation]
Therapeutic Class: Iron, Vitamin & Mineral Combined Preparation / Multi-vitamin & Multi-mineral Combined Preparations
Pack: 30 tablets per strip
Price: ৳5.00 per tablet (৳150.00 per strip of 30)

Indications

Precare Tablet is indicated for improving the nutritional status of women:

• Throughout pregnancy (all three trimesters) to support foetal development
• In the postnatal period — for both lactating and non-lactating mothers
• Prior to conception (preconceptional supplementation) to optimise nutritional reserves, particularly folic acid for neural tube defect prevention

Composition

Each Precare Tablet contains the following vitamins and minerals:

• Vitamin A (Beta Carotene & Vitamin A Palmitate) — 2,700 IU
• Vitamin B1 (Thiamine Mononitrate) — 3.4 mg
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) — 3.4 mg
• Niacin — 40 mg
• Pantothenic Acid (Calcium Pantothenate) — 20 mg
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCl) — 10 mg
• Folic Acid — 800 mcg
• Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) — 120 mg
• Vitamin E (Vitamin E Acetate) — 30 IU
• Vitamin K — 65 mcg
• Zinc (Zinc Oxide) — 25 mg
• Iron (Ferrous Sulphate) — 30 mg
• Copper (Cupric Oxide) — 2 mg
• Manganese (Manganese Sulphate) — 1.2 mcg
• Iodine (Potassium Iodide) — 175 mcg
• Selenium (Sodium Selenate) — 12.5 mcg
• Molybdenum (Sodium Molybdate) — 25 mcg
• Chromium (Chromium Chloride) — 25 mcg
• Inositol — 50 mg
• Quercetin — 54 mcg

Pharmacology

Precare is a comprehensive prenatal multivitamin and mineral supplement formulated to meet the increased nutritional demands of pregnancy and lactation. Key components and their roles:

• Folic Acid (800 mcg): Prevents neural tube defects (spina bifida, anencephaly) when taken before and during early pregnancy. The WHO and national health guidelines recommend at least 400 mcg folic acid daily for women of childbearing age; Precare provides 800 mcg for enhanced protection.
• Iron (30 mg): Prevents and treats iron-deficiency anaemia, which is particularly common during pregnancy due to increased maternal blood volume and foetal iron requirements.
• Iodine (175 mcg): Essential for foetal thyroid hormone synthesis and neurological development; deficiency causes cretinism.
• Vitamin D (via Vitamin A balance) and Calcium cofactors: Support foetal skeletal development.
• Vitamin B6 (10 mg): Helps reduce nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (morning sickness).
• Zinc (25 mg): Supports immune function, cell growth, and foetal organ development.
• Vitamin C (120 mg): Enhances non-haem iron absorption and acts as an antioxidant.

The formulation is specifically designed to be gentle on the sensitive stomach, making it suitable for use throughout pregnancy even in women prone to nausea.

Dosage and Administration

One tablet daily, or as directed by the physician. Best taken after a meal to minimise gastric discomfort. May be taken at any time of day; bedtime administration may help reduce nausea-related side effects.

Preconceptionally: Begin at least 1 month before planned conception and continue through the first trimester as a minimum; ideally continue throughout pregnancy and the postnatal/breastfeeding period.

Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the formulation
• Hypervitaminosis A
• Haemochromatosis or other iron overload conditions

Warnings and Precautions

• Iron and young children: Accidental ingestion of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6 years. Store out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
• Folic acid and pernicious anaemia: High-dose folic acid (above 0.1 mg/day) may mask the haematological signs of pernicious anaemia (vitamin B12 deficiency) while neurological damage continues to progress. Vitamin B12 status should be assessed before starting supplementation in at-risk individuals.
• Do not exceed the recommended daily dose unless specifically advised by a physician.
• Inform your physician if you are taking other vitamin or mineral supplements to avoid potential overdose of fat-soluble vitamins (A, E, K).

Side Effects

Common: Mild gastrointestinal discomfort (nausea, constipation, dark stools) — primarily related to the iron content; usually transient and managed by taking with food.

Uncommon: Allergic sensitisation to folic acid has been reported rarely following oral administration.

Rare: Hypersensitivity reactions including rash, urticaria.

Drug Interactions

• Tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, bisphosphonates: Iron and zinc may chelate these antibiotics and reduce their absorption — separate dosing by at least 2 hours.
• Levothyroxine: Iron and calcium may reduce absorption — separate by at least 4 hours.
• Antacids, proton pump inhibitors: May reduce iron absorption by increasing gastric pH.
• Vitamin C (already present in formulation): Enhances iron absorption.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

Pregnancy: Recommended and indicated throughout all trimesters of pregnancy. Precare is specifically designed for this purpose.

Lactation: Recommended for breastfeeding mothers to replenish nutrient stores depleted during pregnancy and delivery and to support milk nutritional quality.

Storage

Store below 25°C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the strip.

Pricing

Precare Tablet: ৳5.00 per tablet | ৳150.00 per strip of 30 tablets

Disclaimer: This product information is for reference purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a registered physician or qualified healthcare professional before taking any medication.