Calcium

Calcium is a mineral. Bones contain more than 99% of the body’s calcium.

 

Sources

Calcium Chloride, calcium citrate, calcium lactate, dolomite, calcium Gluconate, calcium carbonate, oyster shell, calcium sulphate bone meal, coral.

 

Uses

It is necessary for the maintenance of bones and teeth but excess can cause problems. It helps to repair broken bones and osteoporosis. It is involved in high blood pressure and pregnancy.

 

Symptoms of Deficiency

In children, calcium deficiency may lead to rickets resulting in bone deformities and poor growth. In adults, it could lead to Osteomalacia (softening of bone).

Low levels can also cause muscle spasms, leg cramps, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, colon cancer.

 

Causes of Deficiency

Poor diet, aging, premature menopause, heavy alcohol use, bowel problems.

 

Natural Sources

Green vegetables, milk, milk products, bone meal, cereals, almonds, Kelp, wheat, beans, orange, brown rice, peanuts

 

Dosage
Discuss the dosage and duration of use with the pharmacist before taking the medication. It can be taken with other medications for other conditions on the advice of a pharmacist or a doctor.

 

Health Canada has recommended a minimum and a maximum daily requirement for Calcium:

  • Minimum daily dose: 125mg/day
  • Upper limit for children and Adults: 1-79 -2500mg/day
  • Upper limit for older Adults >70 years-2500mg/day
  • Upper limit for Pregnancy & Lactation: 14-50 years-2500mg/day

 

Overdosage
If serious overdosage, then contact the poison control center or emergency room. If you miss a dose then take it as soon as remembered. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose, and go back to the regular dosing regimen. If taken an extra dose by mistake then contact the pharmacist or a doctor.

 

Some of the symptoms of overdosage include kidney stones & soft-tissue calcification.

 

Pregnancy

Tell the pharmacist/doctor if pregnant or planning to become pregnant or if breast feeding. Discuss the dosage.

 

Possible Side Effects

When starting to take any new medication, if one notices any side-effect, contact the physician or pharmacist:

High doses could lead to kidney stones and soft tissue calcification. Certain formulations can also cause rashes.

 

Interactions

This is not an all inclusive list, discuss it with the pharmacist:

Avoid using 2 hours prior to or until 4 hours after taking other medications.

Caffeine, alcohol, phosphates, protein, sodium, sugar, phenytoin, primidone, phenobarbital, corticosteroids, diuretics, gentamycin, mineral oil, laxatives, stool softeners, tetracyclines.

 

Storage

Store medication in a safe place at room temperature; away from heat, light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or on top of the fridge. Out dated medications must be returned to the pharmacy for safe disposal.

 

Warnings

Patients with hyperparathyroidism and cancer should not take calcium unless advised by a doctor.

 

Tell the pharmacist/doctor your complete medical history.

 

One must inform the pharmacist or doctor if taking any prescription medication, over the counter medication, herbal or alternative medications before starting any new medication, food supplement, herb or vitamin.