• Basic Info
• Top Questions

What is this medicine?

CALCIUM SALTS (KAL see um) are a calcium supplement. It is used to prevent and to treat low calcium levels.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• constipation
• dehydration
• heart rhythm problems
• high blood calcium, phosphate, or vitamin D levels
• kidney disease or stones
• parathyroid disease
• stomach bleeding, obstruction or ulcer
• an unusual or allergic reaction to calcium, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label. Take with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• digoxin
• other calcium products
• phenytoin
• some antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, gatifloxacin, tetracycline
• strontium 89 chloride
• sucralfate
• thyroid hormones

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Follow a healthy diet. Taking a vitamin supplement does not replace the need for a balanced diet. Some foods that have calcium naturally are milk, cheese, yogurt, sardines, salmon, shrimp, and tofu (bean curd).

Do not take calcium within 2 hours of any other medication taken by mouth.

Do not use bonemeal or dolomite as a source of calcium, they can contain dangerous levels of lead.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• confusion or irritability
• headache
• loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting
• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation
• stomach gas, upset

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE:This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Last Updated: March 30, 2009