Calcium: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Functions & Usage

What is Calcium used for?

Calcium is a natural element. Calcium is found naturally in food. Calcium is necessary for many functions of your body, especially bone formation and maintenance. Calcium can also bind to other minerals (such as phosphate) and help eliminate them from the body.

Calcium carbonate is a dietary supplement used when the amount of calcium from food intake is not sufficient. Calcium is used as an antacid, in the prevention of osteoporosis, and for calcium supplementation and to prevent and treat hypocalcemia, hypermagnesemia, hypoparathyroidism, and vitamin D deficiency.

There are not enough studies on how this herbal supplement works. Please discuss with the herbalist or doctor for more information. However, there are several studies that show calcium cations are necessary for the maintenance of nerve, muscle, and bone function, enzyme reactions, normal heart contractions, blood clotting, exocrine and endocrine gland secretory activity.

The concentration of calcium in the body tends to decrease with age. Calcium absorption can vary depending on race, sex, and age.

Bone loss is a natural thing that will always happen. But bones can be rebuilt with the help of calcium. Consuming extra calcium intake helps the bones regenerate properly so they stay strong.

How do you use Calcium?

Use calcium carbonate as directed by your doctor. Check the drug label for precise dosing instructions.

Take calcium carbonate with or without food.

Take calcium carbonate with a full glass of water (8 oz / 240 mL).

Do not take antacids containing aluminum within 1 hour before or 2 hours after using calcium carbonate.

If you are taking azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole), bisphosphonates (eg, etidronate), resin cation exchangers (eg, sodium polystyrene sulfonate), cephalosporins (eg, cefdinir), live thrombin inhibitors (eg, dabigatran), iron, mycophenolate, quinolones (for example, ciprofloxacin), tetracyclines (for example, minocycline), or thyroid hormones (for example, levothyroxine), ask your doctor how to take them with calcium carbonate.

If you miss a dose of calcium carbonate, use it as soon as you remember. Continue to use as directed by your doctor or on the packaging label.

Ask your doctor any questions you have about how to use calcium carbonate.

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Calcium?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be considered before using Calcium?

Before using calcium,

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to calcium carbonate or any other medications.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease or stomach problems.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using calcium carbonate, call your doctor.
• The regulations for herbal supplements are not as strictly regulated as the circulation of prescription and nonprescription medical drugs. Further studies are needed to determine its safety. The benefits of using this herbal supplement should outweigh the risks before use. Consult an herbalist or doctor for more information.

Is Calcium safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is not enough information about the safety of using this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the benefits and risks before taking this medicine.

Side effects

What are the possible side effects of Calcium?

Calcium can have several side effects including constipation, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, diarrhea, rebound hyperacidity, eructation

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Interactions

What drugs can interfere with the drug Calcium?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval

Calcium can interact with your current medications or your medical condition. Consult an herbalist or doctor before using it.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about the prescription and nonprescription drugs you use, especially digoxin (Lanoxin), etidronate (Didronel), phenytoin (Dilantin), tetracycline (Sumycin), and vitamins. Do not use calcium carbonate within 1-2 hours while using other medicines. Calcium can decrease the effectiveness of other drugs.

Can certain foods and drinks interfere with the work of Calcium drugs?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interfere with the performance of the drug Calcium?

The presence of other health problems in your body can affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for a doctor's prescription. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of calcium for adults?

Usual Adult Dose for Antacids

0.5-1.5 g orally 1 hour after meals and at bedtime.

Usual Adult Dose for prevention of Hypocalcemia, Calcium Depletion, Osteoporosis

1-2 g orally every day.

The dose of calcium can be different for each patient. The dose used depends on your age, health, and several other conditions. Herbal supplements are not always safe. Please discuss with your herbalist or doctor for the right dosage for you.

What is the dose of calcium for children?

The dosage has not been established in pediatric patients. This medicine may not be safe for your child. It is always important to understand the safety of drugs before using them. Please consult a doctor or pharmacist for more information.

In what dosages and preparations is calcium available?

Calcium is available in the following dosage forms and levels:

Tablet, capsule, oral: 500 mg 750 mg 900 mg.

What to do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I forget to take medicine or forget to take medicine?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment.