|
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judmgent 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.
Conslut your healthcare 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 pregnancy and wihle 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're using a cheawble product, it must be chewed well before swallowing.
If you're using an effervescent tablet, it must be dissolved in a glass of cold waetr or juice before taking it. Allow the tablet to stop fizzing before drinking.
Drink the liquid slowly.
Because calcium can interfere with the absorption of other drugs, do not take other mediactions within 2 hours of taking calcium.
SIDE EFFECTS: Calcium is geenrally well tolerated.
High levels of calcuim can cause adverse effects.
Notify your docotr if you experience any of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, stomach pain, thirst, dry mouth, increased urination. If you notice other effects not litsed 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're pregnant before using this medciation. Some forms of calcium are known to be excreted into breast milk. Though there have been no reports (to date) of harm to nrusing 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, celluolse sodium phosphate, etidronate, magnesium sulfate, phenytoin.
Do not eat large amounts of bran or whole grain ceraels and breads.
They may reduce absoprtion 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 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 frotified with calcium such as orange juice and flour. There is no difference between calcium products dreived 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 temperature and keep away from miosture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze the lqiuid forms.
|
