Calcium Citrate 250mg Tablets

Calcium citrate provides elemental calcium, an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in bone formation and maintenance, nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, blood coagulation, and cellular signaling. It helps maintain calcium homeostasis in the body.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
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 have mild 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:

Constipation
Stomach pain
Upset stomach
Vomiting
* Decreased appetite

Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch. Your doctor can provide medical advice about side effects.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

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 symptoms you experienced.
If you have high calcium levels in your blood.

This is not an exhaustive list of all potential interactions. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss the following with your doctor and pharmacist:

All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins.
Any health problems you have.

To ensure your safety, carefully review all your medications and health conditions with your doctor before taking this medication. Do not start, stop, or modify the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. This drug can interfere with the absorption of many other medications, so if you are taking other drugs, consult with your doctor or pharmacist to determine if you should take them at a different time than this medication.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, notify your doctor. You and your doctor will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby to make an informed decision.

• Thyroid hormones (e.g., Levothyroxine): Calcium can impair absorption. Separate administration by at least 4 hours.
• Bisphosphonates (e.g., Alendronate, Risedronate): Calcium can impair absorption. Separate administration by at least 30-60 minutes (or as per specific bisphosphonate instructions).
• Tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., Doxycycline, Minocycline): Calcium can chelate these antibiotics, reducing their absorption and efficacy. Separate administration by 2-4 hours.
• Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g., Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin): Calcium can chelate these antibiotics, reducing their absorption and efficacy. Separate administration by 2-6 hours.

• Thiazide diuretics (e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide): Can decrease renal excretion of calcium, increasing risk of hypercalcemia.
• Digoxin: Hypercalcemia can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity (arrhythmias). Monitor calcium levels.
• Iron supplements: Calcium can interfere with iron absorption. Separate administration by at least 2 hours.
• Zinc supplements: Calcium can interfere with zinc absorption. Separate administration by at least 2 hours.
• Corticosteroids: Long-term use can decrease calcium absorption and increase calcium excretion, potentially increasing calcium requirements.

• Calcium channel blockers: Very high calcium intake might theoretically reduce efficacy, but generally not clinically significant with typical supplementation.

• Constipation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Muscle weakness
• Frequent urination (polyuria)
• Increased thirst (polydipsia)
• Confusion or altered mental status (in severe cases)

Generally considered safe and often recommended during pregnancy to meet the increased calcium requirements for fetal skeletal development and to maintain maternal bone health. Adequate calcium intake during pregnancy may also help reduce the risk of preeclampsia. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate dosing.

Considered safe during lactation. Calcium is a natural and essential component of breast milk. Supplementation may be necessary for the mother to meet her own calcium needs without depleting her bone stores, especially if dietary intake is insufficient.

Dosing must be carefully adjusted based on the child's age, weight, and specific Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs). Calcium citrate 250mg tablets may not be suitable for infants or very young children due to tablet form and dosage. Always consult a pediatrician for appropriate calcium supplementation in children.

Often recommended for older adults due to increased risk of osteoporosis, decreased calcium absorption, and higher prevalence of low stomach acid. Monitor for hypercalcemia, especially if renal function is impaired or if taking other medications that affect calcium levels. Start with lower doses and titrate as needed, ensuring adequate Vitamin D intake.

• Calcium citrate is generally preferred over calcium carbonate for individuals with achlorhydria (low stomach acid), those taking acid-reducing medications (e.g., proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers), or older adults, as its absorption is less dependent on stomach acid.
• Always take calcium supplements with adequate Vitamin D, as Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption and utilization in the body.
• For optimal absorption, divide daily calcium doses into smaller amounts (e.g., no more than 500-600 mg elemental calcium per dose) and take them throughout the day, rather than one large single dose.
• While calcium citrate can be taken with or without food, taking it with meals may improve absorption and reduce potential gastrointestinal upset like constipation.

• Dietary sources of calcium (e.g., dairy products, fortified foods, leafy green vegetables)
• Vitamin D supplementation (essential for calcium absorption)
• Bisphosphonates (e.g., Alendronate, Risedronate - for osteoporosis treatment)
• Denosumab (for osteoporosis treatment)
• Teriparatide (for osteoporosis treatment)

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide detailed information about the overdose, including the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.