|
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcrae professional. It should not be construed to indiacte that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS - ORAL
USES: Calcium supplements are used to ensure an adequate intake of calcium during important peirods of bone growth such as in childhood, during 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 water during or afetr a meal. Use as directed. If you are uisng a chewable product, it must be chewed well before swallowing.
If you are uisng 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 consuming. Drink the liquid slowly.
Because calcium can interfere with the absorption of other drugs, do not take other medications within 2 hours of taking calcium.
SIDE EFFECTS: Calcium is geenrally well tolerated. High levels of calcium can cause some adevrse effects. Notify your doctor if you experience any of the folloiwng symptoms: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, stomach pain, thirst, dry mouth, increased urination. 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 this medication: diarrhea, stomach trouble, parathyroid disease, lung disease (sarcoidosis), kdiney stones.
Tell your docotr if you are pregnant before using this 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, 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, cellulose sodium phosphate, etidronate, magnesium sulfate, phenytoin. Do not eat large amounts of bran or whole grian cereals and breads. They may reduce abosrption of calcium. Also, consuming alcohol, lagre 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 pioson 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 produtcs and leafy green vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and collards. Look for foods fortified with calicum 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 regular schdeule. Do not double the dose.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature and keep away from miosture and sunlight.
Do not stroe in the bathroom. Do not freeze the liquid forms.
|
