Abbott Surbex Zinc B-Plus Tablet

Abbott Surbex Zinc B-Plus Tablet is a film-coated vitamin and mineral supplement from Abbott’s Surbex range that combines seven B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc in a single once-daily tablet. Each tablet provides vitamin B1 12 mg, vitamin B2 15 mg, vitamin B3 99 mg, vitamin B5 18 mg, vitamin B6 20 mg, vitamin B12 12 mcg, folic acid 400 mcg, vitamin C 750 mg, vitamin E 30 IU and zinc 15 mg. This listing is supplied as a twin pack of 2 bottles of 60 tablets.

B vitamins are water-soluble nutrients that work as coenzymes in normal energy-yielding metabolism, helping the body use carbohydrates, fats and proteins from food. Vitamin B12 and folic acid also contribute to normal red blood cell formation, while vitamin C and vitamin E are antioxidant vitamins that help protect cells from oxidative stress. Zinc is an essential trace mineral required by many enzymes and contributes to normal protein synthesis and the maintenance of normal skin, hair and nails.

Because B vitamins and vitamin C are water-soluble and are not stored in large amounts, they need to be obtained regularly from the diet. Surbex Zinc B-Plus may be used as a dietary supplement by adults whose dietary intake of these nutrients is insufficient, for example during periods of irregular meals. It is intended to complement, not replace, a balanced diet, and people who already take a multivitamin, zinc or vitamin C product should check their combined intake with a pharmacist.

Take one tablet once daily after food, or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not chew or crush it. Taking it after a meal helps reduce the chance of stomach upset from zinc and vitamin C. If you take certain antibiotics (such as tetracyclines or quinolones), ask your pharmacist how far apart to space the doses.

Adults: One tablet once daily after food, which is the usual adult dosage on the product information. Do not take more than the recommended serving unless advised by your doctor or pharmacist.

Children: This product is formulated for adults; do not give it to children unless a doctor or pharmacist advises it.

Missed serving: If you miss a day, simply take the next tablet as usual; do not take two tablets to make up.

Refer to the expiry date printed on the bottle and outer packaging. Do not use the tablets after the expiry date.

Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed after each use so the tablets are protected from humidity. Keep out of the reach and sight of children. Refer to the product label for any specific storage temperature.

• Common: Bright yellow urine, a harmless effect of riboflavin (vitamin B2).
• Common: Mild nausea, stomach upset or a metallic taste, mainly from zinc, especially if taken on an empty stomach.
• Uncommon: Diarrhoea or abdominal cramps, which can occur with higher vitamin C intake.
• Uncommon: Headache.
• Rare: Skin rash, itching or flushing; stop taking the product and speak to a pharmacist or doctor.
• Serious: Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing, may signal a severe allergic reaction and needs urgent medical attention.

• Do not take if you are allergic to any of the vitamins, zinc or inactive ingredients in the tablet.
• Not suitable for people who have been told by their doctor to avoid supplemental vitamin C, zinc or B vitamins, for example because of a history of kidney stones, iron overload (haemochromatosis) or copper-related disorders, unless the doctor has approved it.

• Zinc can reduce the absorption of tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics (such as doxycycline and ciprofloxacin); take these antibiotics at least 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after this tablet, or as advised by your pharmacist.
• Zinc may also reduce the absorption of penicillamine; ask your doctor about timing if you take it.
• Folic acid may interact with some anti-seizure medicines (such as phenytoin) and with methotrexate; tell your doctor before taking this product with them.
• Vitamin B6 can reduce the effect of levodopa when levodopa is taken without carbidopa; check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take medicines for Parkinson’s disease.
• Vitamin E may add to the effect of blood thinners such as warfarin; tell your doctor if you take an anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicine.
• High-dose vitamin C can affect some laboratory tests, including certain blood sugar and stool blood tests; tell your doctor or laboratory staff that you take it.
• Avoid duplicate intake from other multivitamins, B-complex, vitamin C or zinc supplements unless your doctor or pharmacist has checked your total intake.

• Take your tablet after the same meal every day, such as breakfast, to build a routine and reduce stomach upset.
• Do not worry if your urine turns bright yellow; this is caused by vitamin B2 and is harmless.
• Add up the vitamin C, zinc and vitamin B6 from all your supplements to avoid taking more than you need.
• Space this tablet away from antibiotics such as doxycycline or ciprofloxacin, as zinc can reduce their absorption.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed and stored away from bathroom humidity.
• Remember that a supplement complements, and does not replace, a varied and balanced diet.

Precautions: Use only at the recommended serving of one tablet a day. Each tablet provides 750 mg of vitamin C and 20 mg of vitamin B6, so avoid combining it with other products containing the same nutrients unless a pharmacist has checked your total intake; long-term excessive vitamin B6 intake has been linked to nerve symptoms such as numbness, and high-dose zinc over long periods can lower copper levels. If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor first, particularly if you already take a prenatal vitamin. People with kidney disease or a history of kidney stones, liver disease, iron overload or those on regular medicines should consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Speak to a doctor if you have ongoing tiredness, weakness, poor appetite or unexplained weight loss, as these symptoms can have medical causes that a supplement will not address. Stop taking the tablets and seek advice if you develop persistent stomach upset, diarrhoea, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, or a rash. Seek urgent medical help for any sign of a severe allergic reaction.