Becosules: Uses, How It Works, Side Effects
Also known as: Becosules capsule, Becosules capsules, B-complex with vitamin C, Vitamin B complex with vitamin C capsule
Becosules is a capsule containing B-complex vitamins with vitamin C. It is used to make up a shortfall of these vitamins in the diet when a doctor or pharmacist advises it. Most people get enough from food, and the exact vitamins and amounts are listed on the pack.
- Active ingredient
- Vitamin B complex See pack + Vitamin C See pack
- Type of medicine
- Vitamins and minerals
- Used for
- Vitamin deficiency
- Starts working in
- A vitamin supplement works by topping up levels in the body; it is not meant to give an effect within hours
- Effect lasts
- B vitamins and vitamin C are mostly not stored, so they are needed regularly
- With or without food
- Follow the label or your doctor's advice; taking it with a meal is common
- Alcohol
- Heavy drinking can reduce how well B vitamins are absorbed; ask a doctor or pharmacist
- Pregnancy
- Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking any supplement in pregnancy
- Habit-forming
- No
- Made by
- VERIFY on pack
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
On this page
- What is Becosules used for?
- How does Becosules work?
- How to take Becosules
- Side effects of Becosules
- Who should be careful
- Medicines and things that interact with Becosules
- If someone takes too much
- Storage
- Regulatory status in India
- Other brands with the same medicine
- Other strengths and forms
- Common questions
What is Becosules used for?
Becosules is a vitamin supplement. It is used to make up for too little of the B vitamins and vitamin C in the diet, as the label or a doctor advises.
- Making up a shortfall of B vitamins and vitamin C in the diet, on a doctor's or pharmacist's advice
How does Becosules work?
B vitamins help the body release energy from food and keep the nervous system, skin and blood cells healthy. Vitamin C helps keep skin, blood vessels, bones and cartilage healthy. The capsule adds to what comes from food.
What happens in your body after you take it
You swallow the capsule
The capsule dissolves in the stomach and gut and the vitamins are released.
The vitamins are absorbed
The B vitamins and vitamin C dissolve in water and are absorbed from the intestine into the blood.
The body uses them
B vitamins help release energy from food and support nerves, skin and blood cells. Vitamin C supports skin, blood vessels, bones and cartilage.
The extra is passed out
Water-soluble vitamins that are not needed mostly leave in the urine, which can turn bright yellow because of riboflavin. This is harmless.
How to take Becosules
Take Becosules exactly as printed on the pack or as your doctor has advised. Your doctor or pharmacist can say whether it is suitable for you and for how long.
- Swallow the capsule whole with water. Follow the label or your doctor's advice about taking it with food.
- Do not take more than the label says, and do not combine it with other B-vitamin or multivitamin products without asking a doctor or pharmacist.
- If you miss a dose, take it when you remember, unless it is almost time for the next one. Do not take two doses together.
- Long-term use should be on a doctor's advice, because high doses of vitamin B6 over time can damage nerves.
Side effects of Becosules
B vitamins and vitamin C at label amounts are usually well tolerated. Mild stomach upset is the most common problem.
Uncommon or mild
- Bright yellow urine (harmless)
- Mild nausea or stomach upset
- Diarrhoea or wind, mainly with larger amounts of vitamin C
- Skin flushing, if the product contains higher amounts of niacin
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing (an allergic reaction). Get medical help immediately
- Numbness, tingling or loss of feeling in the hands and feet, which can follow long-term high doses of vitamin B6
Who should be careful
Most people can take Becosules at label amounts, but a few need to check with a doctor first.
- Vitamin B6 at 200 mg or more a day can damage nerves; the NHS says supplements should not exceed 10 mg a day unless a doctor advises. Check the B6 amount on your pack, especially if you take other B-vitamin products
- Folic acid above 1 mg a day can hide vitamin B12 deficiency; ask a doctor if you have anaemia or take other folic acid products
- More than 1,000 mg a day of vitamin C in supplements can cause stomach pain, diarrhoea and wind
- Kidney stones or kidney disease: ask a doctor first
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking a supplement
- Allergy to any ingredient in the capsule
Medicines and things that interact with Becosules
Becosules can add to other products you take. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including other vitamins and herbal remedies.
- Other B-vitamin, folic acid or multivitamin products: the amounts add up, so check the total
- Epilepsy medicines such as phenytoin: folic acid and vitamin B6 can change their effect; ask a doctor
- Levodopa for Parkinson's disease: vitamin B6 can reduce its effect; ask a doctor
- Alcohol: the NHS advises avoiding or limiting alcohol with folic acid, as it can affect how well it works
If someone takes too much
A single extra capsule is unlikely to cause serious problems, but regularly taking much more than the label says is not advised. If someone has taken a large amount, ask a doctor or pharmacist, or call 112 or go to the nearest hospital if they are unwell, and take the pack with you.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place in the original strip, away from direct sunlight and moisture and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date. Check the pack for the exact storage instructions.
Regulatory status in India
Sold in India as a B-complex and vitamin C capsule. The exact combination and amounts differ between versions of the brand, so the ingredient list on the pack must be checked against the CDSCO banned list of fixed-dose combinations (s.26A notifications of 2016, 2018 and 2024). This needs the reviewer's confirmation. Whether it is labelled as a medicine or a food supplement must be confirmed from the pack.
Other brands with the same medicine
B-complex with vitamin C capsules are sold under other brand names, and some versions of Becosules contain extra ingredients such as zinc. The vitamins and amounts differ, so check the ingredient list on the pack and do not switch products without asking a doctor or pharmacist.
Other strengths and forms
Some versions of this brand are sold with extra ingredients such as zinc, and in other forms such as liquids. The contents are printed on the pack and are not the same across products, so check the label of the one you have.
Common questions
What is Becosules used for?
It is a supplement of B vitamins and vitamin C, used to make up for too little of them in the diet. B vitamins help release energy from food and keep nerves, skin and blood cells healthy. A doctor or pharmacist can say whether you need it.
Is Becosules a prescription medicine?
This depends on how the pack is labelled, so check the pack for the schedule. A doctor or pharmacist can tell you whether it is suitable and for how long to take it.
Why does my urine turn bright yellow?
This is usually harmless. B vitamins, especially riboflavin (vitamin B2), are water-soluble, and the extra that the body does not need passes out in the urine, giving it a bright yellow colour.
Can I take Becosules for a long time?
Ask your doctor first. High doses of vitamin B6 taken over time can damage nerves, so long-term use should be on medical advice. Do not combine it with other B-vitamin products unless a doctor or pharmacist says it is fine.
Can I take Becosules during pregnancy?
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any supplement in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. They can tell you whether it is needed and which product suits you.
What is the difference between Becosules and a multivitamin?
Becosules is a B-complex with vitamin C, while a multivitamin usually also has other vitamins and sometimes minerals. The ingredient list on the pack shows exactly what each product contains.
Sources
- B vitamins and folic acid. NHS (UK)
- Vitamin C. NHS (UK)
- Folic acid: medicine used to keep your baby healthy in pregnancy and to treat folate deficiency anaemia. NHS (UK)
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)