Sign inBefore taking calcium salts
Before taking calcium salts make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you know you have too much calcium in your blood or urine.
- If you have kidney problems or have ever had kidney stones.
- If you have sarcoidosis (a condition which causes swelling of the lymph nodes).
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
How to take calcium salts
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
- If you have been given tablets, read the label carefully to check whether you need to swallow your dose whole, mix your dose with water before taking, or if you need to chew the tablets before swallowing. If you are unsure how to take your tablets, ask your pharmacist for advice.
- Calcium salts may interfere with the way your body absorbs other medicines. If you are taking other medication you may need to take this at a different time to your calcium - please ask your pharmacist for advice.
- Try to take calcium salts at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
- If you do forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember (unless it is nearly time for your next dose in which case skip the missed dose).
Getting the most from your treatment
- If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
- Keep any regular doctor's appointments so your progress can be monitored.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Can calcium salts cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 1,000 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Constipation or diarrhoea | Try to eat a well-balanced diet and drink several glasses of water each day |
| Wind, feeling sick, abdominal pain | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store calcium salts
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Cacit® Effervescent Tablets, Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals UK Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated June 2009, accessed February 2010.
- Manufacturer's PIL, Calcichew® 500 mg Chewable Tablets, Shire Pharmaceuticals Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated January 2009, accessed February 2010.
- Manufacturer's PIL, Calcium Sandoz® Syrup, Alliance Pharmaceuticals, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated June 2008, accessed February 2010.
- British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.