Calcium Health Article

Interactions

It is important that all over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications are reviewed with a physician before beginning calcium supplement.

According to the Complete Guide to Prescription & Nonprescription Drugs, the following are some of the drugs that may cause possible interactions if taken with calcium:

• alendronate
• anticoagulants
• calcitonin
• calcium-containing medicines
• chlorpromazine
• oral contraceptives
• corticosteroids
• digitalis preparations
• diuretics, thiazide
• estrogens
• etidronate
• iron supplements
• meperidine
• mexiletine
• nalidixic acid
• nicardipine
• nimodipine
• oxyphenbutazone
• para-aminosalicyclic acid (PAS)
• penicillins
• pentobarbital
• phenylbutazone
• phenytoin
• pseudoephedrine
• quinidine
• salicylates

BOOKS

The Editors of Time-Life Books. "Essential Vitamins and Minerals." In The Medical Advisor: The Complete Guide to Alternative & Conventional Treatments. Richmond, VA: Time-Life Inc., 1996.

Griffith, H. Winter. "Calcium Supplements." In Complete Guide to Prescription & Nonprescription Drugs, 1999 Edition. New York: The Berkley Publishing Group, 1998.

PERIODICALS

"Calcium May Help Prevent Colon Polyps." Environmental Nutrition 22, no. 2 (February 1999): 1.

"Calcium May Help Prevent Gum Trouble." Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter 17, no. 5 (July 1999): 6.

"Calcium May Reduce Stroke Risk in Women." Stroke (September 1999).

"The Four Supplements You Can't Live Without." Prevention 51, no. 12 (December 1999): 1.

Gulliver, Pauline, and Caroline C. Horwath. "Assessing Women's Perceived Benefits, Barriers, and Stage of Change for Meeting Milk Product Consumption Recommendations. " Journal of the American Dietetic Association 101 (November 2001): 1354–1357.

Head, Kathleen A., N.D. "Estriol: Safety and Efficacy." Alternative Medicine Review 3, no. 2 (April 1998). <http://www.thorne.com>.

Hegsted, D. Mark. "Fractures, Calcium, and the Modern Diet." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 74 (November 2001): 571.

Liebman, Bonnie. "Calcium Supplements: The Way to Go." Nutrition Action Healthletter 25, no. 3 (April 1998): 5.

Marion, Matt. "Health Bulletin." Men's Health 14, no. 10 (December 1999): 32.

"Using Calcium to Combat PMS Symptoms." Medical Update 22, no. 5 (November 1998): 6.

Wallace, Phil. "NIH Says Calcium 'Crisis' is Affecting Young People." Food Chemical News 43 (December 17, 2001): 27.

ORGANIZATIONS

Food and Drug Administration, Office of Consumer Affairs, HFE–88, Rockville, MD 20857.

Beth Kapes

Rebecca J. Frey, PhD