Caltrate

 
Generic Name: calcium carbonate

Brands: Alka-Mints, Alkets, Alkums, Amilac, Amitone, Cal Oys, Cal-Gest, Calcarb, Calci Mix, Calci-Chew, Calcitab, Caltrate, Caltro, Chooz, Dicarbosil, Equilet, Mylanta Child, Nephro Calci, OsCal 500, Oysco 500, Oyst Cal, Oyst Cal 500, Oyster Cal 500, Oyster Calci

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What is the most important information I should know about Caltrate?

· Do not take Caltrate or antacids containing calcium without first talking to your doctor if you take other medications. Calcium can decrease the effects of many other medicines by binding to them or by changing the acidity of the stomach or the urine.

· Take calcium with meals to increase its absorption by the body, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

 

What is Caltrate?

· Calcium is a mineral that is found naturally in foods. Calcium is necessary for many normal functions of the body, especially bone formation and maintenance. Calcium can also bind to other minerals (such as phosphate) and aid in their removal from the body.

· Caltrate is used to prevent and to treat calcium deficiencies.

· Caltrate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Caltrate?

· Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you     ·have had kidney stones;     ·have parathyroid gland disease;     ·take antacids or other calcium supplements; or     ·take a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Sumycin, Achromycin V, and others), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox, Doxy, and others), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin, and others), or oxytetracycline (Terramycin, and others).

· You may not be able to take Caltrate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions, or take any of the medications, listed above.

· Talk to your doctor before taking Caltrate if you are pregnant.

· Talk to your doctor before taking Caltrate if you are breast-feeding.

 

How should I take Caltrate?

· Take Caltrate exactly as directed by your doctor or follow the directions on the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Swallow the Caltrate tablets and capsules with a full glass of water.

· Chew the chewable forms of Caltrate completely before swallowing.

· Use the Caltrate powder as directed. Allow the powder to dissolve completely, then consume the mixture.

· Shake the Caltrate suspension well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get the correct dose, use a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon to measure the liquid. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

· Take calcium with meals to increase its absorption by the body, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

· Store Caltrate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medicine unless your doctor directs otherwise.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

· Symptoms of a calcium overdose include nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, constipation, confusion, delirium, stupor, and coma.

 

What should I avoid while taking Caltrate?

· If you take other medicines, do not take Caltrate without first talking to your doctor.

 

What are the possible side effects of Caltrate?

· Stop taking Caltrate and seek emergency medical attention if you experience a rare allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Caltrate and notify your doctor if you experience     ·nausea or vomiting;     ·decreased appetite;     ·constipation;     ·dry mouth or increased thirst; or     ·increased urination.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Caltrate?

· Before taking Caltrate, tell your doctor if you are taking     ·digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);     ·antacids containing calcium or aluminum;     ·another calcium supplement;     ·calcitriol (Rocaltrol) or vitamin D supplements; or     ·a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Sumycin, Achromycin V, and others), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox, Doxy, and others), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin, and others), or oxytetracycline (Terramycin, and others).

· You may not be able to take Caltrate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Caltrate. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider may have more information about Caltrate.

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