Has your doctor prescribed you a calcium pill? Or are you thinking about using calcium to strengthen your bones? You may have heard about calcium to strengthen bones during pregnancy or as you age. So today, let's talk about a drug called Calcium Citrate that many people use.
Simply put, what is Calcium Citrate?
Calcium citrate is a medicine that increases the calcium level in our body. We all know that calcium is essential for keeping our bones strong. Also, calcium is very important for the healthy functioning of our heart. So if for some reason the calcium level in your body is low, doctors recommend this medicine to restore it.
Remember, this medicine may also be used for other medical conditions, so if you have any questions, ask your doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you start using this medicine, it is very important that your doctor is aware of these things, because that information will determine whether this medicine is suitable for you or not, or how it should be given.
| Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions: |
|---|
| • If you have high calcium levels in your blood. |
| • If you have had kidney stones before. |
| • If you have kidney disease. |
| • If you have parathyroid disease. |
| • If you have an allergic reaction to calcium, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives. |
| • If you are trying to get pregnant, are currently pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother. |
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is a tablet to take by mouth. Take it with a glass of water. Use it exactly as your doctor has told you or as directed on the medicine package. You can take it with or without food. However, if you feel upset stomach, it is better to take it with food . Do not take more than the amount prescribed by your doctor.
Another thing is, if you are taking other medications, you may need to space out the time you take this calcium pill and the time you take your other medications. If you are not sure about this, talk to your doctor for advice.
What if you give it to children?
Children may require special care when given this medicine. Therefore , it is important to give this medicine to children only on medical advice .
What if I take too much medicine (overdose)?
If you accidentally take too much of this medicine, contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately . Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. This medicine has been prescribed for you only, so never share it with others.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a forgotten dose.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Calcium pills can interact with some other medications, which means they may change how well they work. So it's important to tell your doctor about all the medications you're taking, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements .
| Medications that require special care |
|---|
| • Some antibiotics from the quinolone group (e.g. ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin) |
| • Some antibiotics from the tetracycline group (e.g. doxycycline, minocycline) |
| • Some diuretics |
| • Digoxin (a medicine for heart disease) |
| • Other calcium-containing products |
| • Phenytoin (a medicine used to treat epilepsy) |
| • Sucralfate (a medicine for gastritis) |
| • Thyroid hormones (e.g. levothyroxine) |
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, calcium citrate can cause side effects in some people, although not everyone gets them.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| High calcium level in the blood | Feeling thirsty or urinating more than usual, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, unusual weakness or fatigue, bone pain. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| • Burping | • Constipation |
| • Bloating/Gas | |
How do you keep your medicine safe?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets . Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius) and away from moisture. Do not use expired medicine.
If you are getting rid of expired or unwanted medications, before throwing them in the trash, crush the pills and mix them with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or cat litter, then put them in a bag, seal it well, and throw it in the trash. This will help prevent the medication from getting into the hands of someone else.
Take-Home Message
- Calcium Citrate is an important medicine for bone and heart health. However, it should only be used under the advice of a doctor.
- Tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and any other medications you are taking.
- Never take two doses at once just because you forgot to take your medicine.
- If you experience a serious side effect (e.g., allergy, excessive thirst), seek medical advice immediately.
- While taking this medication, it is also very important to eat foods rich in calcium (milk, yogurt, cheese, green vegetables).
- If you have any questions about this medicine, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor.
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