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Calcium-Information - Side Effects, Uses and Benefits

Type of Drug:

Mineral; calcium supplement.

How the Drug Works:

Calcium is the fifth most abundant element in the body, The majority is in the bones. It is essential for normal development and maintenance of bones; normal functioning of nerves and muscles; normal heart functioning; normal blood clotting; and normal functioning of a variety of cells, glands, and enzyme systems.

Uses:

As a dietary supplement, especially at times when dietary intake may be inadequate (eg, children and teens, the elderly, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, after menopause, patients with kidney failure).

To treat and prevent calcium deficiency (eg, osteoporosis, rickets, osteomalacia, hypoparathyroidism),

To treat muscle cramps caused by low calcium levels.

Unlabeled Uses: Doctors may occasionally prescribe calcium for high blood pressure in patients with calcium deficiency.

Precautions:

Do not use in the following situations: high blood calcium levels kidney stones

High blood phosphate levels

Use with caution in the following situations: constipation kidney disease (calcium citrate only) low stomach acid levels (all except calcium lactate)

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Do not take more than the ROA without first contacting your doctor.

Adequate calcium intake: Adequate calcium intake is particularly important during periods of bone growth in childhood and adolescence, and during pregnancy and breastfeeding. An adequate intake of calcium is also necessary in adults, especially those over 40 years of age, to help prevent the development of osteoporosis.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D facilitates the absorption of calcium from the digestive tract. A vitamin 0 deficiency can interfere with calcium balance in the body. This is a concern for the elderly because of limited exposure to the sun, reduced intake of dairy products, and decreased absorption because of the natural aging process. Consult your doctor before increasing vitamin 0 intake above the ROA.

Phenylketonuria: Some of these products contain phenylalanine. Check package label when available or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Lab Tests: lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Tests may include kidney function and calcium and phosphate blood levels.

Tartrazine: Some of these products contain tartrazine (FD& C Yellow No. 5), which may cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. Check package label when available or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with calcium. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with calcium:

Doses:

Type

Generic Name
Brand Name Examples

Supplied As

Generic Available

 

Alka-Mints, Amitone, Cal Carb Forte, Cal-Mint, Cal­cichew Caltrate 600 Plus, Chooz , Diearbosil, Malla­mint, Os-Cal, Rolaids, Turns, Turns 500, Turns E-, Turns E-X Sugar Free, Turns Ultra

Tablets, chewable: 168 mg Ca, 200 mg Ca, 220 mg Ca, 260 mg Ca, 300 mg Ca,340 mg Ca, 350 mg Ca, 400 mg Ca, 500 mg Ca, 600 mg Ca

Yes

 

Super Caleium 1200

Capsules: 600 mg Ca

No

 

Florical

Capsules: 145 mg Ca with 8,3 mg sodium fluoride

No

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many calcium users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects of high calcium levels include: Loss of appetite; nausea; vomiting; dry mouth; increased urination; constipation; stomach pain; thirst; confusion; delirium.

Guidelines for Use:

  • Calcium products are confusing. Calcium salts and elemental, or active, calcium vary from product to product. Read the "Supplemental Facts" on the package to determine the serving size and amount of elemental calcium per serving.

  • Divide total daily dose into 2 or 3 separate doses.

  • Take with a glass of water with or after meals to increase absorption by the body.

  • Make sure you are taking your RDA of vitamin D every day. If you are taking a multivitamin containing vitamin D you may not need a calcium product that also contains vitamin D. Do not exceed the RDA of vitamin 0 without consulting your doctor.

  • Some tablets and capsules are larger than others. Ease of swallowing may be a consideration in product selection.

  • Chewable tablets - Chew well before swallowing. May be followed with a glass of water.

  • Effervescent tablets - Allow the tablet to stop fizzing before taking.

  • Notify your doctor if loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, dry mouth, thirst, or increased urination occurs.

  • Do not take more than 2000 mg of elemental calcium daily (including calcium in diet, vitamins, and supplements), unless advised to do so by your doctor.

  • Recommended Dietary Allowances (RoA) ­ Adult males: 1200 mg Adult females: 1200 mg

  • Common sources of calcium - Dairy products, calcium fortified foods, and some leafy green vegetables (eg, broccoli, kale, collards).

  • Products derived from bonemeal or dolomite have been reported to contain toxic metals (eg, lead, arsenic, mercury). These products have been associated with problems involving the nervous system, digestive system, skin, and blood. Some health authorities suggest avoiding these products