What is Tricare? Uses, warnings & side effects

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Tricare overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • BP MultiNatal Plus, Bal-Care DHA Essential, C-Nate DHA, Classic Prenatal, CitraNatal Rx, CitraNatal Medley, CitraNatal Harmony, CitraNatal Essence, CitraNatal DHA, CitraNatal B-Calm, CitraNatal Assure, CitraNatal 90 DHA, Centrum Specialist Prenatal, Carlson PreNatal Multiple With DHA, Bal-Care DHA

Generic Names:

  • Tricare

Uses:

  • Prenatal vitamins are used to supplement the diet during pregnancy and during breast feeding.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Vitamin Combination, Adult Formula, Antidote, Nutriceutical, Probiotic, Vitamin/Mineral/Iron Combination, Adult Formula, Vitamin/Mineral/Iron Combination, Pediatric Formula, Vitamin/Mineral/Nutriceutical Combination, Adult Formula, Vitamin/Mineral Combination, Adult Formula, Vitamin B Combination, Vitamin Combination, Prenatal Formula, Vitamin Combination

Forms:

  • Spray, Kit, Coated Tablet, Capsule, Chewable Tablet, Liquid Filled Capsule, Powder, Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Tricare used for?

Preplus is a multivitamin that comes in capsule form and is used to prevent vitamin deficiency before, during and after pregnancy. Common side effects of Preplus include fever, constipation, upset stomach, and throwing up. Do not use Preplus if you have excess iron in your body or if you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Preplus.

What form(s) does Tricare come in?

  • Spray

  • Kit

  • Coated Tablet

  • Capsule

  • Chewable Tablet

  • Liquid Filled Capsule

  • Powder

  • Tablet

What are common Tricare dosages?

  • Tablet

Tricare images - What does Tricare look like?

  • TriCare
    1 bottle tablet

How to take Tricare

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Swallow the tablet, enteric coated tablet, capsule, or liquid filled capsule whole. Do not break, chew, or crush it.

  • The chewable tablet should be chewed completely before you swallow it.

  • Dissolve the powder in 4 to 5 ounces of water and drink the mixture right away.

  • Spray the mouth spray on the inside of your cheek. Hold the medicine in your mouth for about 30 seconds, then swallow.

  • Swallow the tablet, enteric coated tablet, capsule, or liquid filled capsule whole. Do not break, chew, or crush it.

  • Spray the mouth spray on the inside of your cheek. Hold the medicine in your mouth for about 30 seconds, then swallow.

  • Dissolve the powder in 4 to 5 ounces of water and drink the mixture right away.

  • The chewable tablet should be chewed completely before you swallow it.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

What to do if you miss a dose of Tricare

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Tricare contraindications - Who shouldn't take Tricare?

  • You should not use prenatal vitamins if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a vitamin or mineral supplement.

Tricare warnings

  • This medicine might have enough iron to poison a small child. Be very careful to keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If a child does swallow some of this medicine, call a doctor or poison control center right away.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease or have ever had kidney stones. Tell your doctor if you have blood problems such as pernicious anemia or too much iron.

  • You should not use certain brands of this medicine if you have kidney disease or are on dialysis, because they may harm your kidneys. Ask your caregiver what brands are best for you.

Tricare interactions & what to avoid when taking Tricare

  • You should not use other vitamin and mineral supplements while you are using prenatal vitamins.

  • There are many drugs that can interact with a prenatal multivitamin. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.

  • This medicine might have enough iron to poison a small child. Be very careful to keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If a child does swallow some of this medicine, call a doctor or poison control center right away.

Tricare side effects - How does Tricare make you feel?

Serious Side Effects

  • Dark stools or constipation.

  • Mild nausea.

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Mild nausea.

  • Dark stools or constipation.