Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
tablet
- 200mg
- 250mg
Granules
- 760mg/3.5g
RDA (Elemental Calcium)
<50 years: 1 g/day
>50 years females: 1.2 g/day
>50 years males: 1 g/day
>70 years males: 1.2 g/day
Hypocalcemia Prevention
1 g/day in divided doses
Primary Osteoporosis Prevention
1-1.5 g/day in divided doses
Other Information
211 mg elemental Ca per gram of calcium citrate
Most commercial products also contain Vitamin D
Other Indications & Uses
Oral Ca supplements may protect against renal calculi formation by chelating with oxalate in gut and preventing its absorption
Dosing considerations
Taking calcium (≤500 mg) with food improves absorption
Multiple salt forms of calcium exist; close attention must be paid to salt form when ordering and administering calcium; incorrect selection or substitution of one salt for another without proper dosage adjustment may result in serious over or under dosing
Dosage Forms & Strengths
tablet/capsule
- 150mg
- 200mg
- 250mg
- 950mg
- 1040mg
Granules
- 760mg/3.5g
RDA (Elemental Calcium)
<6 months old: 200 mg/day
6-12 months old: 260 mg/day
1-3 years old: 700 mg/day
4-8 years old: 1000 mg/day
9-18 years old: 1300 mg/day
Hypocalcemia
Neonates: 50-150 mg/kg/day divided q4-6hr PO; dose expressed as elemental calcium; no more than 1g/day
Children: 45-65 mg/kg/day divided q6hr PO; dose expressed as elemental calcium
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results
Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor
Contraindicated (1)
- ceftriaxone
ceftriaxone, calcium citrate. Other (see comment). Contraindicated. Comment: Do not use ANY calcium containing solutions (including Ringer or Harmann) in combination with IV ceftriaxone; risk of potentially fatal particulate precipitation in lungs, kidneys. Separate by at least 48 hrs.
Serious - Use Alternative (7)
- baloxavir marboxil
calcium citrate will decrease the level or effect of baloxavir marboxil by cation binding in GI tract. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Baloxavir may bind to polyvalent cations resulting in decreased absorption. Studies in monkeys showed concurrent use with calcium, aluminum, or iron caused significantly decreased plasma levels. Human studies not conducted.
- demeclocycline
calcium citrate, demeclocycline. Either decreases levels of the other by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Separate by 2 hours.
- doxycycline
calcium citrate, doxycycline. Either decreases levels of the other by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Separate by 2 hours.
- eltrombopag
calcium citrate decreases levels of eltrombopag by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Contraindicated. Separate by at least 4 hours.
- minocycline
calcium citrate, minocycline. Either decreases levels of the other by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Separate by 2 hours.
- oxytetracycline
calcium citrate, oxytetracycline. Either decreases levels of the other by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Separate by 2 hours.
- tetracycline
calcium citrate, tetracycline. Either decreases levels of the other by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Separate by 2 hours.
Monitor Closely (56)
- acebutolol
calcium citrate decreases effects of acebutolol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- alendronate
calcium citrate decreases levels of alendronate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 30 minutes.
- amantadine
calcium citrate will increase the level or effect of amantadine by Other (see comment). Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Urine pH changes towards alkalinic conditions may lead to an accumulation of amantadine with a possible increase in adverse reactions. Monitor for adverse reactions of amantadine.
- amlodipine
calcium citrate decreases effects of amlodipine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- atenolol
calcium citrate decreases effects of atenolol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- betaxolol
calcium citrate decreases effects of betaxolol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- bictegravir
calcium citrate will decrease the level or effect of bictegravir by cation binding in GI tract. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Bictegravir can be taken under fasting conditions 2 hr before antacids containing Al, Mg, or Ca. Routine administration of bictegravir simultaneously with, or 2 hr after, antacids containing Al, Mg, or Ca is not recommended.
- bisoprolol
calcium citrate decreases effects of bisoprolol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- carvedilol
calcium citrate decreases effects of carvedilol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- celiprolol
calcium citrate decreases effects of celiprolol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ciprofloxacin
calcium citrate decreases effects of ciprofloxacin by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Ciprofloxacin should be administered 2 hr before or 6 hr after calcium salts.
- clevidipine
calcium citrate decreases effects of clevidipine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- deferiprone
calcium citrate decreases levels of deferiprone by enhancing GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Deferiprone may bind polyvalent cations (eg, iron, aluminum, and zinc), separate administration by at least 4 hr between deferiprone and other medications (eg, antacids), or supplements containing these polyvalent cations.
- delafloxacin
calcium citrate will decrease the level or effect of delafloxacin by cation binding in GI tract. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Oral delafloxacin form chelates with alkaline earth and transition metal cations. Administer oral delafloxacin at least 2 hr before or 6 hr after these agents.
- digoxin
calcium citrate increases effects of digoxin by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- diltiazem
calcium citrate decreases effects of diltiazem by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- dolutegravir
calcium citrate will decrease the level or effect of dolutegravir by cation binding in GI tract. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Administer dolutegravir 2 hr (dolutegravir or abacavir/dolutegravir/lamivudine) or 4 hr (dolutegravir/rilpivirine) before or 6 hr after taking medications containing polyvalent cations.
- esmolol
calcium citrate decreases effects of esmolol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- estramustine
calcium citrate decreases levels of estramustine by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Patients should take estramustine with water at least 1h before or 2h after meals.
- etidronate
calcium citrate decreases levels of etidronate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 30 minutes.
- felodipine
calcium citrate decreases effects of felodipine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- fleroxacin
calcium citrate, fleroxacin. Either decreases levels of the other by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 2 hours.
- gemifloxacin
calcium citrate, gemifloxacin. Either decreases levels of the other by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 2 hours.
- ibandronate
calcium citrate decreases levels of ibandronate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 30 minutes.
- isradipine
calcium citrate decreases effects of isradipine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- labetalol
calcium citrate decreases effects of labetalol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- levofloxacin
calcium citrate, levofloxacin. Either decreases levels of the other by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 2 hours.
- levothyroxine
calcium citrate decreases levels of levothyroxine by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 2 hours.
- metoprolol
calcium citrate decreases effects of metoprolol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- moxifloxacin
calcium citrate, moxifloxacin. Either decreases levels of the other by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 2 hours.
- nadolol
calcium citrate decreases effects of nadolol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- nebivolol
calcium citrate decreases effects of nebivolol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- nicardipine
calcium citrate decreases effects of nicardipine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- nifedipine
calcium citrate decreases effects of nifedipine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- nisoldipine
calcium citrate decreases effects of nisoldipine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ofloxacin
calcium citrate, ofloxacin. Either decreases levels of the other by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 2 hours.
- omadacycline
calcium citrate will decrease the level or effect of omadacycline by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Multivalent cation-containing products may impair absorption of tetracyclines, which may decrease its efficacy. Separate dosing of tetracyclines from these products.
- pamidronate
calcium citrate decreases levels of pamidronate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 30 minutes.
- penbutolol
calcium citrate decreases effects of penbutolol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- pindolol
calcium citrate decreases effects of pindolol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- potassium phosphates, IV
calcium citrate decreases effects of potassium phosphates, IV by cation binding in GI tract. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Calcium decreases serum phosphate concentration by binding dietary phosphate. Use alternatives if available.
- propranolol
calcium citrate decreases effects of propranolol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- rilpivirine
calcium citrate decreases levels of rilpivirine by increasing gastric pH. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Coadministration of antacids with rilpivirine may cause significant decreases in rilpivirine plasma concentrations because of increased gastric pH. If antacids must be administered, they should given at least 2 hr before or at least 4 hr after rilpivirine.
- risedronate
calcium citrate decreases levels of risedronate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 30 minutes.
- sarecycline
calcium citrate will decrease the level or effect of sarecycline by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Multivalent cation-containing products may impair absorption of tetracyclines, which may decrease its efficacy. Separate dosing of tetracyclines from these products.
- sodium phosphates, IV
calcium citrate decreases effects of sodium phosphates, IV by cation binding in GI tract. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Calcium decreases serum phosphate concentration by binding dietary phosphate. Use alternatives if available.
- sodium sulfate/?magnesium sulfate/potassium chloride
sodium sulfate/?magnesium sulfate/potassium chloride increases toxicity of calcium citrate by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Coadministration with medications that cause fluid and electrolyte abnormalities may increase the risk of adverse events of seizure, arrhythmias, and renal impairment.
- sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate
sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate increases toxicity of calcium citrate by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Coadministration with medications that cause fluid and electrolyte abnormalities may increase the risk of adverse events of seizure, arrhythmias, and renal impairment.
- sotalol
calcium citrate decreases effects of sotalol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- squill
calcium citrate increases toxicity of squill by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- strontium ranelate
calcium citrate decreases levels of strontium ranelate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Applies to oral form of calcium. Separate by 2 hr.
- tiludronate
calcium citrate decreases levels of tiludronate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 30 minutes.
- timolol
calcium citrate decreases effects of timolol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- verapamil
calcium citrate decreases effects of verapamil by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- vitamin D
vitamin D, calcium citrate. Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: The concurrent use of vitamin D with calcium salts is generally beneficial; in some patients this combination may result in hypercalcemia.
- zoledronic acid
calcium citrate decreases levels of zoledronic acid by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 30 minutes.
Minor (50)
- amikacin
amikacin decreases levels of calcium citrate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- amiloride
amiloride decreases levels of calcium citrate by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- bendroflumethiazide
bendroflumethiazide increases levels of calcium citrate by decreasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown. Risk of alkalosis, hypercalcemia.
- budesonide
budesonide decreases levels of calcium citrate by increasing elimination. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- bumetanide
bumetanide decreases levels of calcium citrate by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- caffeine
caffeine decreases levels of calcium citrate by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- calcitriol topical
calcitriol topical increases levels of calcium citrate by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Topical calcitriol may lead to hypercalcemia.
- carbonyl iron
calcium citrate decreases levels of carbonyl iron by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
carbonyl iron increases levels of calcium citrate by enhancing GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown. - chlorothiazide
chlorothiazide increases levels of calcium citrate by decreasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown. Risk of alkalosis, hypercalcemia.
- chlorthalidone
chlorthalidone increases levels of calcium citrate by decreasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown. Risk of alkalosis, hypercalcemia.
- cortisone
cortisone decreases levels of calcium citrate by increasing elimination. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- cyclopenthiazide
cyclopenthiazide increases levels of calcium citrate by decreasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown. Risk of alkalosis, hypercalcemia.
- deflazacort
deflazacort decreases levels of calcium citrate by increasing elimination. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- dexamethasone
dexamethasone decreases levels of calcium citrate by increasing elimination. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- drospirenone
drospirenone decreases levels of calcium citrate by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- ethacrynic acid
ethacrynic acid decreases levels of calcium citrate by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- ferric maltol
ferric maltol increases levels of calcium citrate by enhancing GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
calcium citrate decreases levels of ferric maltol by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown. - ferrous fumarate
calcium citrate decreases levels of ferrous fumarate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
ferrous fumarate increases levels of calcium citrate by enhancing GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown. - ferrous gluconate
ferrous gluconate increases levels of calcium citrate by enhancing GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
calcium citrate decreases levels of ferrous gluconate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown. - ferrous sulfate
ferrous sulfate increases levels of calcium citrate by enhancing GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- fludrocortisone
fludrocortisone decreases levels of calcium citrate by increasing elimination. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- furosemide
furosemide decreases levels of calcium citrate by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- gentamicin
gentamicin decreases levels of calcium citrate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- hydrochlorothiazide
hydrochlorothiazide increases levels of calcium citrate by decreasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown. Risk of alkalosis, hypercalcemia.
- hydrocortisone
hydrocortisone decreases levels of calcium citrate by increasing elimination. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- indapamide
indapamide increases levels of calcium citrate by decreasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown. Risk of alkalosis, hypercalcemia.
- iron dextran complex
calcium citrate decreases levels of iron dextran complex by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
iron dextran complex increases levels of calcium citrate by enhancing GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown. - iron sucrose
calcium citrate decreases levels of iron sucrose by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
iron sucrose increases levels of calcium citrate by enhancing GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown. - isoniazid
isoniazid decreases levels of calcium citrate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- isotretinoin
isotretinoin increases levels of calcium citrate by enhancing GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- lily of the valley
calcium citrate increases effects of lily of the valley by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- manganese
calcium citrate, manganese. Either decreases levels of the other by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown. Separate by 2 hours.
- methyclothiazide
methyclothiazide increases levels of calcium citrate by decreasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown. Risk of alkalosis, hypercalcemia.
- methylprednisolone
methylprednisolone decreases levels of calcium citrate by increasing elimination. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- metolazone
metolazone increases levels of calcium citrate by decreasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown. Risk of alkalosis, hypercalcemia.
- neomycin PO
neomycin PO decreases levels of calcium citrate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- paromomycin
paromomycin decreases levels of calcium citrate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- polysaccharide iron
calcium citrate decreases levels of polysaccharide iron by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
polysaccharide iron increases levels of calcium citrate by enhancing GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown. - prednisolone
prednisolone decreases levels of calcium citrate by increasing elimination. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- prednisone
prednisone decreases levels of calcium citrate by increasing elimination. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- rose hips
calcium citrate decreases levels of rose hips by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
rose hips increases levels of calcium citrate by enhancing GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown. - shark cartilage
calcium citrate, shark cartilage. pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown. May lead to hypercalcemia (theoretical).
- sodium polystyrene sulfonate
sodium polystyrene sulfonate increases levels of calcium citrate by decreasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown. Risk of alkalosis.
- spironolactone
spironolactone decreases levels of calcium citrate by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- streptomycin
streptomycin decreases levels of calcium citrate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- teriparatide
teriparatide increases levels of calcium citrate by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- tobramycin
tobramycin decreases levels of calcium citrate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- torsemide
torsemide decreases levels of calcium citrate by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension
triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension decreases levels of calcium citrate by increasing elimination. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- triamterene
triamterene decreases levels of calcium citrate by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.
Adverse Effects
Frequency Not Defined
Hypotension
Headache
Constipation
Diarrhea
Flatulence
Nausea
Vomiting
Hypophosphatemia
Hypomagnesemia
Hypercalcemia
- Anorexia
- Coma
- Confusion
- Delirium
- Headache
- Lethargy
- Milk-alkali syndrome (very high, chronic dosing)
- Nausea/Vomiting
Warnings
Contraindications
None
Cautions
Advise patients to limit intake of oxalate-rich foods (soy, green leafy vegetables, animal protein) to avoid reduced absorption through Ca-oxalate formation
Constipation, bloating, and gas are common with calcium supplements (especially carbonate salt)
Chronic hypercalcemia may result in generalized vascular and soft tissue calcification, exacerbate nephrolithiasis; associated with increased mortality in adults with chronic kidney disease
Calcium absorption is impaired in achlorhydria; common in elderly; citrate may be preferred because better absorbed
Hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria are most likely to occur in hypoparathyroid patients receiving high doses of vitamin D
Use caution when administering calcium supplements to patients with history of kidney stones
Use with caution in patients with renal failure to avoid hypercalcemia; frequent monitoring of serum calcium and phosphorus is necessary
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy
Calcium crosses the placenta; intestinal absorption of calcium increases during pregnancy; the amount of calcium reaching the fetus is determined by maternal physiological changes; calcium requirements are the same in pregnant and nonpregnant females
Lactation
Calcium is present in breast milk; amount of calcium in breast milk is homeostatically regulated and not altered by maternal calcium intake; calcium requirements are the same in lactating and nonlactating females
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Dietary supplement: prevents or treats negative Ca balance
Images
| BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| calcium citrate oral - | 250 mg calcium tablet |  | |
| calcium citrate oral - | 200 mg (950 mg) tablet |  |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
calcium citrate oral
CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS - ORAL
USES: This medication is used to prevent or treat low blood calcium levels in people who do not get enough calcium from their diets. It may be used to treat conditions caused by low calcium levels such as bone loss (osteoporosis), weak bones (osteomalacia/rickets), decreased activity of the parathyroid gland (hypoparathyroidism), and a certain muscle disease (latent tetany). It may also be used in certain patients to make sure they are getting enough calcium (e.g., women who are pregnant, nursing, or postmenopausal, people taking certain medications such as phenytoin, phenobarbital, or prednisone).Calcium plays a very important role in the body. It is necessary for normal functioning of nerves, cells, muscle, and bone. If there is not enough calcium in the blood, then the body will take calcium from bones, thereby weakening bones. Having the right amount of calcium is important for building and keeping strong bones.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with food. If your product contains calcium citrate, then it may be taken with or without food. Follow all directions on the product package, or take as directed by your doctor. For best absorption, if your daily dose is more than 600 milligrams, then divide your dose and space it throughout the day. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.If you are using the chewable product, chew it well before swallowing.If you are using the effervescent tablet, allow the tablet to fully dissolve in a glass of water before drinking it. Do not chew or swallow the tablet whole.If you are using the liquid product or powder, measure the medication with a dose-measuring spoon or device to make sure you get the correct dose. Do not use a household spoon. If the liquid product is a suspension, shake the bottle well before each dose.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.If your doctor has recommended that you follow a special diet, it is very important to follow the diet to get the most benefit from this medication and to prevent serious side effects. Do not take other supplements/vitamins unless ordered by your doctor.If you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.
SIDE EFFECTS: Constipation and upset stomach may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weight loss, mental/mood changes, bone/muscle pain, headache, increased thirst/urination, weakness, unusual tiredness.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking calcium, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.This product should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this product, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: high calcium levels (hypercalcemia).If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product: kidney disease, kidney stones, little or no stomach acid (achlorhydria), heart disease, disease of the pancreas, a certain lung disease (sarcoidosis), difficulty absorbing nutrition from food (malabsorption syndrome).Some sugar-free formulations of calcium may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to restrict your intake of aspartame (or phenylalanine), consult your doctor or pharmacist about using this drug safely.Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: If you are taking this product under your doctor's direction, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you use any of the following products: digoxin, cellulose sodium phosphate, certain phosphate binders (e.g., calcium acetate).Calcium can decrease the absorption of other drugs such as bisphosphonates (for example, alendronate), tetracycline antibiotics (such as doxycycline, minocycline), estramustine, levothyroxine, and quinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin). Separate your doses of these medications as far as possible from your doses of calcium. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about how long you should wait between doses and for help finding a dosing schedule that will work with all your medications.Check the labels on all your prescription and nonprescription/herbal products (e.g., antacids, vitamins) because they may contain calcium. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.This document does not contain all possible interactions. Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, mental/mood changes, headache, weakness, tiredness.
NOTES: Foods rich in calcium include: dairy products (e.g., milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream), dark-green leafy vegetables (e.g., broccoli, spinach, bok choy), and calcium-fortified foods (e.g., orange juice).Vitamin D helps with the absorption of calcium. Foods rich in vitamin D include: fortified dairy products, eggs, sardines, cod liver oil, chicken livers, and fatty fish. Vitamin D is also made by the body as a result of exposure to the sun.Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments. If your doctor has directed you to take this medication, laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., calcium levels) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. See packaging for the exact temperature range. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised August 2021. Copyright(c) 2021 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
