Calcium 500mg W/ Vit D Chw Tablets
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To ensure you get the most benefit from your medication, follow these steps:
Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
Read all the information provided with your medication and follow the instructions carefully.
Take your medication with food to help your body absorb it properly.
Chew your medication thoroughly before swallowing, unless the packaging indicates that it can be swallowed whole or dissolved in your mouth. If you're unsure, consult with your pharmacist.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
To maintain the quality and safety of your medication:
Store it at room temperature in a dry place, away from the bathroom.
Keep all medications in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets.
Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist.
Check with your pharmacist for guidance on the best way to dispose of your medication. You may also want to explore drug take-back programs in your area.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you miss a dose, follow these steps:
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
If it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule.
* Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for the missed one.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take with food to improve absorption, especially for Vitamin D.
- If taking more than 500-600 mg of elemental calcium at once, split the dose throughout the day for better absorption.
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in calcium (dairy products, leafy greens) and Vitamin D (fatty fish, fortified foods).
- Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise (e.g., walking, jogging) to support bone health.
- Limit excessive alcohol intake and smoking, as these can negatively impact bone density.
- Ensure adequate sun exposure (10-30 minutes several times a week) for natural Vitamin D production, while being mindful of skin cancer risks.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Calcium Carb 1250mg/5ml Susp
- Calcium Chloride 10% Inj, 10ml
- Calcium Oyster Shell 500mg Tablets
- Calcium 500mg Tablets
- Calcium Acetate 667mg Capsules
- Calcium 600+d (400u) Tablets
- Calcium 600mg Tablets
- Calcium 600mg + D Tablets
- Calcium 500 W/vit D3 Tablets
- Calcium Citrate 250mg Tablets
- Calcium Antacid 500mg Chw Tablets
- Calcium Carb 500mg Chewtablets
- Calcium Acetate 667mg Tablets
- Calcium Carb 648mg Tablets
- Calcium 500mg W/ Vit D Chw Tablets
- Calcium Citrate W/ Vit D Tablets
- Calcium/d3 600mg-200iu Tablets
- Calcium 500mg Chewable Tablets
- Calcium Gluconate 10% Inj, 50ml
- Calcium Antacid 750mg Chw Tablets
- Calcium Citrate 200mg Tablets
- Calcium Citrate+d3 Tablets
- Calcium Gluconate 10% Inj, 10ml
- Calcium Glu/nacl 1gm/100ml Soln
- Cal Glu/nacl 2000mg/100ml Inj 100ml
- Cal Glu/nacl 1gm/50ml Inj, 50ml
- Calcium Gluc 100mg/ml Inj, 50ml
- Calcium Gluconate 10% Inj, 100ml
- Calcium Gluc 100mg/ml Inj, 100ml
- Calcium Gluc 100mg/ml Inj, 10ml
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of high calcium levels, including:
+ Weakness
+ Confusion
+ Feeling tired
+ Headache
+ Upset stomach and vomiting
+ Constipation
+ Bone pain
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor:
Upset stomach or vomiting
Constipation
Note: This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. For medical advice about side effects, you can also contact your doctor. Additionally, you can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe constipation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Frequent urination or increased thirst
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Confusion or changes in mental status
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
Certain health conditions, including:
+ High calcium levels
+ High vitamin D levels
+ Kidney stones
+ Low phosphate levels
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your health problems with your doctor.
Additionally, provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of all the medications you are taking, including:
Prescription medications
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications
Natural products
Vitamins
It is vital to verify that it is safe to take this medication in conjunction with all your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
When taking this medication, be aware that it may interfere with the absorption of other oral medications. To minimize potential interactions, discuss with your doctor the best timing for taking other medications by mouth in relation to this drug.
Adhere to the dietary plan recommended by your doctor to ensure optimal management of your condition. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), a condition where the body cannot break down the amino acid phenylalanine, inform your doctor, as some products may contain phenylalanine.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, consult with your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby. This will help you make an informed decision about your treatment.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Hypercalcemia (excessively high calcium levels)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Polyuria (frequent urination)
- Polydipsia (excessive thirst)
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Anorexia
- Kidney stones
- Kidney damage (in severe, prolonged cases)
- Cardiac arrhythmias (rare, severe cases)
What to Do:
If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention or call a poison control center. In the U.S., call 1-800-222-1222. Management typically involves discontinuing the supplement, hydration, and potentially medications to lower calcium levels.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Thiazide diuretics (increased risk of hypercalcemia with Vitamin D)
- Digoxin (increased risk of arrhythmias with hypercalcemia)
- Certain antacids containing aluminum (can increase aluminum absorption with calcium)
Moderate Interactions
- Levothyroxine (calcium can impair absorption; separate dosing by at least 4 hours)
- Tetracycline antibiotics (calcium can chelate; separate dosing by at least 2-4 hours)
- Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (calcium can chelate; separate dosing by at least 2-4 hours)
- Bisphosphonates (calcium can impair absorption; separate dosing by at least 30-60 minutes)
- Iron supplements (calcium can impair absorption; separate dosing by at least 2 hours)
- Corticosteroids (can decrease calcium absorption and increase Vitamin D metabolism)
- Phenytoin, Phenobarbital (can increase Vitamin D metabolism)
- Orlistat, Cholestyramine (can decrease absorption of fat-soluble Vitamin D)
- Mineral oil (can decrease absorption of fat-soluble Vitamin D)
- Oxalic acid (in spinach, rhubarb) and Phytic acid (in whole grains, legumes) (can reduce calcium absorption)
Minor Interactions
- Zinc supplements (high doses of calcium can interfere with zinc absorption)
- Caffeine (may slightly increase urinary calcium excretion)
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To establish baseline levels and identify pre-existing hypercalcemia or hypocalcemia.
Timing: Prior to initiation of high-dose supplementation or if symptoms of calcium imbalance are present.
Rationale: To assess baseline Vitamin D status and guide appropriate dosing, especially if deficiency is suspected.
Timing: Prior to initiation of supplementation, particularly if high doses are considered or deficiency is suspected.
Rationale: To assess kidney function, as impaired renal function can affect calcium and Vitamin D metabolism and increase risk of hypercalcemia.
Timing: Prior to initiation of supplementation, especially in elderly patients or those with pre-existing renal conditions.
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Annually for routine supplementation; more frequently (e.g., every 3-6 months) for high-dose supplementation or in patients with renal impairment or risk factors for hypercalcemia.
Target: 8.5-10.2 mg/dL
Action Threshold: >10.5 mg/dL (investigate cause, reduce dose, or discontinue)
Frequency: Every 6-12 months if treating deficiency; annually for maintenance if concerns exist.
Target: 30-100 ng/mL (optimal: 40-60 ng/mL)
Action Threshold: <20 ng/mL (consider dose increase); >100 ng/mL (consider dose reduction/discontinuation due to potential toxicity)
Frequency: Annually for routine supplementation; more frequently (e.g., every 6-12 months) in patients with pre-existing renal impairment or those on high doses.
Target: Stable, within normal limits for age/sex
Action Threshold: Significant decline in eGFR or increase in creatinine (re-evaluate calcium/Vitamin D dosing)
Frequency: Consider if hypercalcemia is present or suspected, or in patients with a history of kidney stones.
Target: <300 mg/24 hours
Action Threshold: >300 mg/24 hours (investigate cause, reduce dose, or discontinue)
Symptom Monitoring
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Polyuria (frequent urination)
- Polydipsia (excessive thirst)
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Bone pain
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Calcium and Vitamin D are essential during pregnancy for fetal bone development and maternal health. Recommended daily intake for pregnant women is 1000-1300 mg elemental calcium and 600 IU Vitamin D. Supplementation is generally considered safe and beneficial at recommended doses. Excessive intake should be avoided as it can lead to hypercalcemia in the mother and potentially affect fetal development.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Calcium and Vitamin D are important for lactating mothers and are transferred into breast milk. Recommended daily intake for lactating women is 1000-1300 mg elemental calcium and 600 IU Vitamin D. Supplementation at recommended doses is considered safe and compatible with breastfeeding (L1). Excessive intake should be avoided.
Pediatric Use
Dosing must be carefully adjusted based on age and weight to meet age-specific RDAs. Excessive intake can lead to hypercalcemia and hypervitaminosis D, which can be more severe in children due to their smaller body mass and developing organs. Always consult a pediatrician before administering supplements to children.
Geriatric Use
Elderly individuals are at increased risk for calcium and Vitamin D deficiency due to decreased dietary intake, reduced skin synthesis of Vitamin D, and impaired renal 1-alpha-hydroxylation. Supplementation is often recommended for bone health and fall prevention. However, caution is advised in those with impaired renal function or a history of kidney stones, as they may be more susceptible to hypercalcemia. Monitoring of serum calcium and renal function is particularly important.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Calcium carbonate should be taken with food for optimal absorption, while calcium citrate can be taken with or without food.
- Split calcium doses if taking more than 500-600 mg elemental calcium at once, as absorption efficiency decreases with larger single doses.
- Vitamin D is fat-soluble; taking it with a meal containing some fat can enhance absorption.
- Regular monitoring of serum 25(OH)D levels is recommended, especially when treating Vitamin D deficiency, to ensure adequate levels without toxicity.
- Educate patients on symptoms of hypercalcemia (e.g., nausea, constipation, polyuria, fatigue) and advise them to seek medical attention if these occur.
- Consider potential drug interactions, especially with thyroid hormones, certain antibiotics, and bisphosphonates, and advise patients to separate dosing times.
- While supplements are helpful, emphasize the importance of dietary sources of calcium and Vitamin D, and weight-bearing exercise for bone health.
Alternative Therapies
- Dietary modifications (increased intake of calcium-rich foods like dairy, fortified plant milks, leafy greens; Vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish, fortified cereals)
- Sun exposure (for Vitamin D synthesis)
- Prescription Vitamin D (e.g., ergocalciferol or cholecalciferol in higher doses for severe deficiency)
- Other bone-building medications (e.g., bisphosphonates, denosumab, teriparatide) for osteoporosis, as determined by a healthcare provider.