About calcium
Calcium mineral supplement
Used for
- Prevention or treatment of calcium deficiency
- Support for bone health when dietary calcium is insufficient
Usual adult dose
Dose depends on the amount of elemental calcium; commonly 500–1,200 mg daily in divided doses.
Usual dose in children
Dose depends on age and elemental calcium needs; pediatric dosing requires individual assessment.
Common side effects
- Constipation
- Nausea or stomach upset
- High blood calcium with excessive use
Important warnings
- Check elemental calcium content; citrate weight is not the same as elemental calcium.
- Use caution with kidney disease or a history of kidney stones.
- Separate from medicines whose absorption calcium can reduce.
Pregnancy
Calcium is used during pregnancy when needed; total intake should include food and other supplements.
Breastfeeding
Generally compatible with breastfeeding at recommended dietary amounts.
Interactions
- Levothyroxine: separate by at least four hours.
- Quinolone or tetracycline antibiotics: take several hours apart.
- Bisphosphonates: separate dosing to prevent reduced absorption.
- Iron supplements: calcium may reduce iron absorption.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.