- Citranatal DHA -- contains the standard prenatal vitamins and minerals in combination with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
- Citranatal 90 DHA -- the same as Citranatal DHA but with more iron and calcium
- Citranatal Assure -- the same as Citranatal DHA but with more DHA and slightly more iron
- Citranatal Rx -- the same as Citranatal DHA but with no DHA.
The Citranatal line of products has replaced Citracal Prenatal + DHA products, which were almost identical, with a few minor changes.
Citranatal products are made by Mission Pharmacal Company.
How Does Citranatal Work?
Citranatal contains vitamins, minerals, and (for all products except Citranatal Rx) DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid. These nutrients are important for a healthy pregnancy, and many pregnant women may not get enough of these nutrients, for various reasons. Most importantly, these products contain folic acid, which is an important nutrient that helps to prevent certain birth defects, such as spina bifida.
Citranatal products also contain iron, calcium, and various other vitamins and minerals.
Unlike older prenatal vitamins, Citranatal DHA, Citranatal 90 DHA, and Citranatal Assure all contain the omega-3 fatty acid DHA. DHA provides a wide variety of health benefits. There is some evidence that it may decrease the risk of preterm birth (having a baby prematurely), improve brain function, and improve vision.
Fish are the main source of DHA, and the typical American diet is usually deficient in DHA. Additionally, because many pregnant women are instructed to limit their intake of certain fish (due to the potential risks of mercury toxicity), it is likely that many pregnant women are not getting enough DHA.
These prenatal vitamins also contain docusate sodium, a stool softener that can help prevent or relieve constipation.
Some general considerations for when and how to take these prenatal vitamins include the following:
- Citranatal Rx comes in the form of a single tablet that is taken once daily.
- Citranatal DHA, Citranatal 90 DHA, and Citranatal Assure come in packages with both softgels and tablets. The tablets contain the vitamins and minerals, and the capsules contain the DHA. One tablet and one softgel are taken once daily (it does not matter if you take them together or at different times).
- Citranatal products can be taken with food or on an empty stomach. The iron in these products may be better absorbed on an empty stomach, but most women find that taking prenatal vitamins with a little food usually helps with stomach upset.
- Let your healthcare provider know if you have trouble keeping Citranatal products down or if they cause significant nausea. Your healthcare provider may have some useful suggestions or may recommend a different prenatal vitamin.
- For the vitamins to work properly, they must be taken as prescribed. They will not work if you stop taking them.
Citranatal Dosing Information
There is only one standard recommended dose for these products. As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible. However, not everyone who takes the vitamins will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate them quite well.
If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Some of the possible side effects with Citranatal (which are also common symptoms in pregnancy) include, but are not limited to:
(Click Citranatal Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Drug Interactions With Citranatal
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Using It?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Citranatal if you have:
- A bleeding disorder
- Anemia
- Any other allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
It is not known exactly what to expect from an overdose with Citranatal. The most dangerous effects from taking too much of this vitamin are likely to be caused by the iron, as iron poisoning can be very dangerous, particularly in young children. If you think you or someone else may have taken too much, seek immediate medical attention.
Storage Methods for Citranatal
Citranatal should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The tablets and softgels should be stored in an airtight container or in their original blister packaging. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take your Citranatal dose, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
If you vomit after taking a dose, do not take another (because it is difficult to tell how much of the drug was absorbed into your body). If you regularly vomit after taking Citranatal, talk with your healthcare provider.
Is There a Generic Version of Citranatal?
Technically, there are no generic equivalents for prenatal vitamins (because tests are not performed to make sure that the vitamins act in the same way in the body). However, "generic" prenatal vitamins may be available that have similar active ingredients as those found in these products.
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