Calcium Carbonate

Brand Names: Caltrex, Citracal, Os-Cal, Oyster Shell, Tums, Titralac, Posture

Description

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).

Precautions

Information for the Patient
If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor before using this medication: diarrhea, stomach trouble, parathyroid disease, lung disease (sarcoidosis) or 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

BEFORE USING THIS MEDICINE: INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking, especially of vitamins, tetracycline, quinolone antibiotics (e.g. ciprofloxacin), gallium nitrate, cellulose sodium phosphate, etidronate, magnesium sulfate, calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil) and 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.

Adverse Reactions

Calcium is generally well tolerated. High levels of calcium can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, stomach pain, thirst, dry mouth, increased urination. Notify your doctor if your experience any of these effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Dosage

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICINE:

Take with a large glass of water during or after a meal. Chewable tablets must be chewed well before swallowing. Effervescent tablets must be diluted in a glass of cold water or juice before taking. Allow the tablet to stop fizzing before drinking. Drink slowly. Because calcium can interfere with the absorption of other drugs, do not take other medications within 2 hours of taking calcium.

If you have missed a dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible but not if it is almost time for the next dose. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

How Stored

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30°C (59 and 86°F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

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