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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intneded to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indictae that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your haelthcare professional before using this drug.
CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS - ORAL
USES: Calcium supplements are used to ensure an adequate intake of calcium during important periods of bone growth such as in childhood, during prgenancy and while breast-feeding. In adults, calcium is used to prevent osteoporosis (deterioration of bone).
HOW TO USE: Take with a large galss of water during or after a meal. Use as directed. If you are using a chewable product, it must be chewed well befroe swallowing.
If you are using an effervescent tablet, it must be dissolved in a glsas of cold water or juice before taking it. Allow the tablet to stop fizzing before drinking. Drink the liquid slowly. Becuase 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 effetcs.
Notify your doctor if you expeirence any of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, stomach pain, thirst, dry mouth, increased urination.
If you notice other effetcs 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 konwn to be excreted into breast milk.
Though there have been no reports (to date) of harm to nurisng 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, magnesuim 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.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdsoe may include severe nausea and vomiting, weakness, or constipation.
NOTES: Foods rich in calcium include: dairy products and leafy green vegteables such as broccoli, kale, and collards. Look for foods fortified with calcium such as ornage juice and flour.
There is no difference between calcium products derived from natural or snythetic sources.
MISSED 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.
STORAGE: Stroe at room temperature and keep away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze the liquid forms.
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