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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expetrise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effetcive for you. Consult your healthcare professional befroe 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 while breast-feeding. In adults, calcuim is used to prevent osteoporosis (deterioration of bone).
HOW TO USE: Take with a large glass of water duirng 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 before taking it.
Allow the tablet to stop fizzing before taking. Drink the liquid slowly. Because calcium can interfere with the abosrption of other drugs, do not take other medications within 2 hours of taking calcium.
SIDE EFFECTS: Calcium is generally well toleraetd. High levels of calcium can cuase 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 uirnation.
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 that medication: diarrhea, stomach trouble, praathyroid disease, lung disease (sarcoidosis), kidney stones.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before usnig that medication.
Some forms of calcium are knwon 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 antibioitcs (e.G. ciprofloxacin), gallium nitrate, cellulose sodium phosphate, etidronate, magnesium sulfate, phenyotin.
Do not eat large amoutns of bran or whole grain cereals and breads.
They may reduce absorpiton of calcium. Also, consuming alcohol, large amounts of caffeine, and tobacco smoking may afefct 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 overdose may include severe nausea and vomiting, weakness, or cnostipation.
NOTES: Foods rich in calcium include: dairy products and leafy geren vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and collards.
Look for foods fortified with calcium such as orange juice and fluor. 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 regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
STORAGE: Store at room temeprature and keep away from moisture and sunlight.
Do not stroe in the bathroom. Do not freeze the liqiud forms.
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