Indications
- Preventing and treating calcium deficiency when the diet does not provide enough.
- Supporting bone health in osteoporosis (thin, weak bones), usually together with other bone treatments.
- Higher calcium needs in pregnancy, breastfeeding and older age, and during long-term steroid treatment.
- Relief of heartburn and acid indigestion (calcium carbonate also works as an antacid).
Conventional calcium products contain calcium carbonate, and most are combined with Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) to help the body absorb calcium.
How It Works
Calcium is the main mineral in bones and teeth and is also needed for muscles, nerves and the heart to work normally. Taking it as a supplement makes up for low intake from food. Vitamin D helps the gut absorb calcium. Calcium carbonate also neutralises stomach acid.
Dosage and Administration
- Adults: usually 500 to 600 mg of elemental calcium once or twice a day, depending on how much calcium you get from food, or as the doctor advises. Most adults do not need more than 1,200 mg a day from supplements.
- The strength on the pack refers to elemental calcium (for example, 1,250 mg of calcium carbonate gives 500 mg of calcium).
- Children, pregnancy and kidney disease: as advised by the doctor.
Take with or just after a meal, as calcium carbonate is absorbed better with food. Chewable tablets should be chewed before swallowing. If you take more than 500 mg a day, split it into two doses.
Interactions
- Calcium reduces the absorption of iron, zinc, Levothyroxine, tetracycline antibiotics such as Doxycycline, quinolone antibiotics such as Ciprofloxacin and Levofloxacin, and Alendronate. Take these at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after calcium (Levothyroxine at least 4 hours apart; Alendronate first thing in the morning on an empty stomach).
- Thiazide diuretics such as Hydrochlorothiazide can raise blood calcium.
- With Digoxin, high calcium can cause heart rhythm problems.
- Acid-reducing medicines such as Omeprazole may reduce absorption; taking calcium with meals helps.
- Do not take two calcium or vitamin D products together without advice.
Contraindications
- High blood calcium or high calcium in the urine.
- Calcium-containing kidney stones, unless a doctor advises the supplement.
- Severe kidney failure.
- Overactive parathyroid glands, sarcoidosis, or vitamin D excess (for products with Vitamin D3).
- Allergy to any ingredient of the product.
Side Effects
Common: constipation, bloating, wind and mild stomach upset.
Get urgent medical help for signs of high blood calcium (severe thirst, passing a lot of urine, nausea and vomiting, confusion, muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat), severe pain in the side or back with blood in the urine (possible kidney stone), or swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Safe at recommended doses and often advised during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Do not take more than the dose your doctor recommends.
Precautions and Warnings
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, a history of kidney stones, heart disease or take Digoxin. Avoid taking several calcium or vitamin D products at the same time. People on high doses for a long time may need blood tests for calcium and kidney function. Drink enough water.
Overdose
Too much over time can raise blood calcium, causing nausea, vomiting, constipation, thirst, passing a lot of urine, confusion, weakness and an irregular heartbeat. Stop taking it and seek medical help.
Therapeutic Class
Calcium supplement (mineral preparation), also an antacid.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.