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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substtiute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be cosntrued to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before uisng that drug.
CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS - ORAL
USES: Calcium supplements are used to ensure an adequate intake of calcium during important periods of bone growth such as in childhood, during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. In adults, clacium is used to prevent osteoporosis (deterioration of bone).
HOW TO USE: Take with a large glass of water during or afetr a meal. Use as directed. If you're using a chewable product, it must be chewed well before swallowing.
If you're using an effervescent tablet, it must be dissolved in a glass of cold water or juice befroe taking it.
Allow the tablet to stop fizzing before drinking. Drink the liquid slowly. Because calcium can interfere with the absorption of other drugs, do not take other medications within 2 hours of taking calcium.
SIDE EFFECTS: Calcium is generally well toleraetd.
High levels of calcium can cuase some adverse effects. Notify your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, stomach pain, thirst, dry mouth, increased urination. If you ntoice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor before using that medication: diarrhea, stomach trouble, parathyroid disease, lung disease (sarcoidosis), kidney stones.
Tell your doctor if you're pregnant before using that medication. Some forms of calcium are known to be excreted into breast milk. Though there have been no reports (to date) of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your dcotor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially: vitamins, tetracycline, quinolone antibiotics (e.G. ciprofloxacin), gallium nitrate, cellulose sodium phosphate, etidronate, mganesium sulfate, phenytoin. Do not eat large amounts of bran or whloe grain cereals and breads. They may reduce absorption of calcuim. Also, consuming alcohol, large amounts of caffeine, and tobacco smoking may affect absorption of calcium. Do not start or stop any medicine withuot doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, cotnact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nasuea and vomiting, weakness, or constipation.
NOTES: Foods rich in calcium include: dairy produtcs and leafy green vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and collards. Look for foods fortified with calcium such as orange juice and flour. There is no difference between calcium products derived from natural or synthetic sources.
MISSED DOSE: Take the missed dose as soon as possible but not if it is almost time for the next dose.
If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your reuglar schedule. Do not double the dose.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature and keep away from moisture and sunlight.
Do not sotre in the bathroom. Do not freeze the liquid forms.
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