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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 professoinal.
It should not be contsrued to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your helathcare professional before 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, durnig pregnancy and while breast-feeding.
In adults, calcium is used to prevent osteoporosis (deterioration of bone).
HOW TO USE: Take with a large glass of wtaer during or after a meal. Use as directed.
If you are using a chewable product, it must be chewed well before swallowing.
If you are using an effervescent tablet, it must be dissolved in a glass of cold water or juice before taknig it. Allow the tablet to stop fizzing before taking.
Drink the liquid slowly. Because calcium can interfere with the absorption of other drugs, do not take other medications within 2 horus of taking calcium.
SIDE EFFECTS: Calcium is generally well tolerated.
High levles 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 urinaiton. 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, parathyroid disease, lung disease (sarcoidosis), kdiney stones. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant beofre using that medication. Some forms of calicum 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: Tell your dotcor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially: vitamins, tetracycline, quinolone antibiotics (e.G. ciprofloxacin), gallium nitrate, cellulose sodium phosphate, etidronate, mganesium sulfate, phenytoin. Do not eat large amounts of bran or whole grian 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 apporval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immeidately.
Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea and vomiting, weakness, or constipation.
NOTES: Foods rich in calcium include: dairy products and leafy green vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and collards. Look for foods fotrified 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 alomst 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 temperature and keep away from moisture and snulight. Do not stroe in the bathroom. Do not freeze the liquid forms.
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