Calcium Oyster Shell 500mg Tablets

Calcium carbonate acts as a dietary supplement by providing elemental calcium, an essential mineral for bone formation, nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and blood coagulation. As an antacid, it neutralizes gastric acid by reacting with hydrochloric acid in the stomach to form calcium chloride, water, and carbon dioxide, thereby increasing gastric pH and relieving heartburn and indigestion.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention, as they may be signs of a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction:
- 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

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. Contact your doctor if you experience:
- Constipation
- Any other side effects that bother you or do not go away

Reporting Side Effects
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor for medical advice. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

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 elevated calcium levels in your blood.

This medication may interact with other health conditions or medications. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of:

All prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking
Any natural products or vitamins you are using
* Your overall health problems

Before starting, stopping, or changing the dose of any medication, including this one, consult with your doctor to confirm it is safe for you to do so.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. If you have a soy allergy, consult your doctor before taking this drug, as some formulations may contain soy.

When taking this medication, be aware that it may interfere with the absorption of other oral medications. To minimize potential interactions, your doctor may recommend taking other oral drugs at a different time than this medication. Discuss your medication schedule with your doctor to ensure safe and effective treatment.

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 about treatment.

• Thiazide diuretics (concurrent use may lead to hypercalcemia)
• Digoxin (in patients with hypercalcemia, increased risk of arrhythmias)

• Tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, minocycline): Calcium can chelate these antibiotics, significantly reducing their absorption. Separate administration by at least 2-4 hours.
• Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin): Similar to tetracyclines, calcium can chelate these, reducing absorption. Separate administration by at least 2-6 hours.
• Levothyroxine: Calcium can impair levothyroxine absorption. Separate administration by at least 4 hours.
• Bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate, risedronate): Calcium can interfere with absorption. Separate administration by at least 30 minutes to 2 hours.
• Iron supplements: Calcium can reduce iron absorption. Separate administration by at least 2 hours.

• Phenytoin: Calcium may reduce phenytoin absorption.
• Calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil, diltiazem): High doses of calcium may theoretically reduce the effectiveness of these drugs.
• Corticosteroids: May decrease calcium absorption and increase calcium excretion, potentially increasing calcium requirements.
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) and H2-receptor antagonists: May reduce gastric acid, which is necessary for calcium carbonate dissolution and absorption, especially in older adults or those with achlorhydria.

• Foods high in oxalic acid (spinach, rhubarb) or phytic acid (whole grains, beans): Can reduce calcium absorption.
• Alcohol and caffeine: May increase calcium excretion.

• Constipation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Increased thirst (polydipsia)
• Increased urination (polyuria)
• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Headache

Calcium carbonate is generally considered safe and often recommended during pregnancy to meet increased calcium requirements, especially for bone development of the fetus and maternal bone health. It is also commonly used as an antacid for pregnancy-related heartburn. Adhere to recommended daily allowances.

Calcium is a normal component of breast milk. Calcium carbonate is considered safe for use during lactation at recommended doses, as it helps meet the mother's calcium needs without posing significant risk to the infant.

Dosing varies significantly by age and indication (supplementation vs. antacid). Antacid use generally not recommended for children under 6 without medical advice. Careful monitoring is required to avoid hypercalcemia, especially in infants and young children.

Elderly patients may have reduced gastric acid secretion, which can impair calcium carbonate absorption; citrate forms may be better absorbed. Increased risk of constipation. Renal function often declines with age, increasing the risk of hypercalcemia. Monitor serum calcium and renal function closely.

• Calcium carbonate contains approximately 40% elemental calcium. A 500mg calcium carbonate tablet provides 200mg elemental calcium.
• For optimal absorption, calcium carbonate should be taken with food, as gastric acid is required for its dissolution.
• Separate calcium carbonate administration from other medications (especially iron, thyroid hormones, and certain antibiotics) by at least 2-4 hours to prevent absorption interference.
• High doses or long-term use, especially in patients with renal impairment, can lead to hypercalcemia. Monitor serum calcium levels.
• Calcium carbonate is also an effective antacid, but its use for this purpose should be limited to avoid excessive calcium intake and potential side effects like constipation or milk-alkali syndrome.

• Other calcium salts (e.g., Calcium Citrate, Calcium Gluconate, Calcium Lactate - Calcium citrate is better absorbed in individuals with low stomach acid or those taking PPIs/H2-blockers).
• Other antacids (e.g., Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Sodium Bicarbonate).
• H2-receptor antagonists (e.g., famotidine, ranitidine) for heartburn.
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole, pantoprazole) for more severe acid reflux.

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. 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 be sure to check with your pharmacist for more details. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to reach out to 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 information about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.