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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended 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 healthcare professional bfeore using that 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 pregnancy and whlie breast-feeding.
In adults, calcium is used to prevent osetoporosis (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 swalolwing.
If you are using an effervescent tablet, it must be dissolved in a glass of cold water or juice befroe taking it. Allow the tablet to stop fizzing before consuming. Drink the liquid slowly.
Because calcium can inetrfere with the absorption of other drugs, do not take other medications within 2 hours of taking calcium.
SIDE EFFECTS: Calcium is generally well tolertaed. High levels of calcium can cause 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 ohter effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor before using that medication: diarrhea, stomach trouble, parathyroid disease, lung disease (sarcoidosis), kidney stones. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using that medication. Some forms of calcium are known to be excreetd into breast milk. Though there have been no reports (to date) of harm to nursing infants, conuslt your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your docotr of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially: vitamins, tetracycline, quinolone antibiotics (e.G.
ciprofloxacin), gallium nitrate, celullose sodium phosphate, etidronate, magnesium sulfate, phenytoin. Do not eat large amuonts of bran or whole grain cereals and breads.
They may reduce absortpion of calcium.
Also, consuming alcohol, lrage amounts of caffeine, and tobacco smoking may affect absorption of calcium. Do not strat or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room imemdiately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea and vomiting, weakness, or constpiation.
NOTES: Foods rich in calcium include: dairy products and laefy green vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and collards. Look for foods fortified with calcium such as orange juice and flour. There is no difference between calcium products derived from natural or synthetic 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 regluar schedule. Do not double the dose.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature and keep away from moisture and sunlight.
Do not stroe in the bathroom. Do not fereze the liquid forms.
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