GENERIC NAME: CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS - ORAL
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Calcium supplements are used to ensure an adequate intake of calcium during important periods of bone growth such as in childhood, during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. In adults, calcium is used to prevent osteoporosis (deterioration of bone).
HOW TO USE: Take with a large glass of water during or after a meal. Use as directed. If you are using a chewable product, it must be chewed well before swallowing. If you are using an effervescent tablet, it must be dissolved in a glass of cold water or juice before taking it. Allow the tablet to stop fizzing before drinking. Drink the liquid slowly. Because calcium can interfere with the absorption of other drugs, do not take other medications within 2 hours of taking calcium.
SIDE EFFECTS: Calcium is generally well tolerated. High levels of calcium can cause some adverse effects. Notify your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, stomach pain, thirst, dry mouth, increased urination. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor before using this medication: diarrhea, stomach trouble, parathyroid disease, lung disease (sarcoidosis), kidney stones. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. Some forms of calcium are known to be excreted into breast milk. Though there have been no reports (to date) of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially: vitamins, tetracycline, quinolone antibiotics (e.g. ciprofloxacin), gallium nitrate, cellulose sodium phosphate, etidronate, magnesium sulfate, phenytoin. Do not eat large amounts of bran or whole grain cereals and breads. They may reduce absorption of calcium. Also, consuming alcohol, large amounts of caffeine, and tobacco smoking may affect absorption of calcium. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Osteoporosis - Get information on osteoporosis causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment (drugs), prevention (diet, weight-bearing exercise), statistics, risk factors (hereditary) and research.
- Pregnancy Planning - The goals of pregnancy planning are to create a healthy environment for the fetus and to prevent birth defects and other pregnancy related problems.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
Interactive Slideshows