calcium citrate (OTC)

Brand and Other Names:

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

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

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Interactions

Interaction Checker

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            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 administration by 4 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.

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            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
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            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

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            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.

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            Pharmacology

            Mechanism of Action

            Dietary supplement: prevents or treats negative Ca balance

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            Images

            BRAND FORM. UNIT PRICE PILL IMAGE
            calcium citrate oral
            -
            200 mg (950 mg) tablet
            calcium citrate oral
            -
            250 mg calcium tablet

            Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.

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            Patient Handout

            Patient Education
            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 (such as 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, get medical help right away.

            SIDE EFFECTS: Constipation and upset stomach may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, 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 you have any serious side effects, including: 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, get medical help right away 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.If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product: high calcium levels (hypercalcemia), kidney disease (including 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: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Some products that may interact with this drug are: digoxin, cellulose sodium phosphate, certain phosphate binders (such as 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 (such as antacids, vitamins) because they may contain calcium. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

            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 (such as milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream), dark-green leafy vegetables (such as broccoli, spinach, bok choy), and calcium-fortified foods (such as 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.Lab and/or medical tests (such as calcium levels) may be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. 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. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications 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.

            Information last revised March 2023. Copyright(c) 2023 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.

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            Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.