Why do I need to take vitamin B6 separately if CitraNatal B-Calm already includes vitamin B6?

The prenatal vitamin tablet contains just 25 mg of vitamin B6, which isn't quite enough to [help with nausea and vomiting during pregnancy](https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/morning-sickness-nausea-and-vomiting-of-pregnancy). [Studies](https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2003/0701/p121.html#) shows that taking 75 mg of vitamin B6 a day can help control pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting. Taking the additional vitamin B6 tablets in the CitraNatal B-Calm blister pack will help get you to that daily amount.

Citranatal B-Calm

prenatal vitamin / pyridoxine

Used for Prenatal Vitamin

CitraNatal B-Calm is a prenatal vitamin that's designed to help with nausea and vomiting throughout pregnancy. It's available with a prescription from your provider. It comes as a blister pack that includes prenatal vitamin tablets and separate vitamin B6 tablets.

Reviewed by:

Allison Gourley, PharmD

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on October 24, 2022

What is CitraNatal B-Calm?

What is CitraNatal B-Calm used for?

Prenatal vitamin

How CitraNatal B-Calm works

CitraNatal B-Calm is a multivitamin that contain ingredients below to give nutritional support to women (and if they're pregnant, their unborn baby):

Vitamin C boosts your immune system.
Calcium supports the baby's bone and teeth development.
Iron is important for the blood to deliver oxygen to the baby.
Vitamin D is also important for the baby's bone and teeth development.
Vitamin B6 helps with brain and immune system development.
Folic acid is crucial for development of the baby's brain and spinal cord.

The additional vitamin B6 tablets can help pregnant women who are experiencing nausea and vomiting.

Are you looking for information on general prenatal vitamins instead?

Drug facts

Common Brands	CitraNatal B-Calm
Drug Class	Prenatal vitamin
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

CitraNatal B-Calm

Drug Class

Prenatal vitamin

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Side effects of CitraNatal B-Calm

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

See Risks and Warnings

CitraNatal B-Calm serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Serious allergic reaction: rash, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, mouth, tongue, or throat

Source: DailyMed

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Pros and cons of CitraNatal B-Calm

Pros

Few side effects
Comes in an easy-to-follow blister pack
Includes vitamin B6 to help with nausea and vomiting

Cons

Need to take three separate pills each time throughout the day
Brand name only, which can be expensive
Need a prescription

Pharmacist tips for CitraNatal B-Calm

Each time, take the CitraNatal B-Calm prenatal vitamin tablet with the two included vitamin B6 tablets. So you'll take a total of three tablets for each dose.
CitraNatal B-Calm might not contain all the vitamins you need. If you need additional nutrients, ask your provider for recommendations on an alternative supplement instead.
Before taking other vitamins and supplements, ask your provider if they're safe to take with CitraNatal B-Calm. Taking too much of certain vitamins or supplements can raise your risk for side effects.
CitraNatal B-Calm contains iron, which is typically best absorbed on an empty stomach. But if CitraNatal B-Calm causes you to have stomach upset, taking it with a small amount of food can help.

Common questions about Citranatal B-Calm

Even though Citranatal B-Calm is considered a prenatal vitamin, you can start it before, during, or after pregnancy if your provider prescribes it to you. Talk with your provider about the best time to start this supplement.

Generally yes. If your provider prescribes an antiemetic (a medication to prevent nausea), you can take it along with Citranatal B-Calm to lessen pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting. If possible, give Citranatal B-Calm a try first before starting an antiemetic. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends trying vitamin B6 first, which you'll get with this product. Don't start something on your own without talking with your provider first, so they can make sure it's safe for you and your unborn baby.

The prenatal vitamin tablet contains just 25 mg of vitamin B6, which isn't quite enough to help with nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Studies shows that taking 75 mg of vitamin B6 a day can help control pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting. Taking the additional vitamin B6 tablets in the Citranatal B-Calm blister pack will help get you to that daily amount.

Risks and warnings for CitraNatal B-Calm

CitraNatal B-Calm can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Iron overdose

Risk factors: Taking too much iron | Receiving multiple blood transfusions | Medical problems that raise your blood iron level | Children under 6 years of age

Warning Icon If you take multiple supplements that contain iron or take more CitraNatal B-Calm than recommended, there's a chance that your iron level will become too high. This is dangerous because it can lead to problems such as tears in the gut, seizures, and liver damage. Let your provider know right away if you experience symptoms of too much iron, such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea.

Also, accidental overdose of iron-containing products, like CitraNatal B-Calm, is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6 years old. Keep CitraNatal B-Calm out of reach of children so that they don't accidentally take it. If your child accidentally took CitraNatal B-Calm, call your local Poison Control Center right away at 1-800-222-1222.

Potential to hide anemia due to low vitamin B12

Anemia can be due to various causes, including low levels of vitamin B12. CitraNatal B-Calm shouldn't be given to people with anemia due to low vitamin B12, since it can make it harder to identify and treat nerve problems that are caused by low B12 levels. Your provider will order tests to determine the exact cause of your anemia.