calcium and vitamin D combination Health Article

Generic name(s):

calcium and vitamin D combination

Brand name(s):

Calcarb with D, Calcet, Caltrate 600 with D, Caltro with Vitamin D, Citracal Caplets Plus, Dical Captabs, Dical-D, Dicalphos plus D, O-Cal-D, Os-Cal 250 with D, Os-Cal with D, Oysco D, Oysco D with Calcium, Oysco-500 with D, Oyst-Cal-D, Oyster Shell Calcium, Oyster Shell Calcium with Vitamin D, Posture-D H/P

What is the most important information I should know about calcium and vitamin D combinations?

Contact your doctor if you experience weakness, headache, nausea and vomiting, dry mouth, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, constipation, a metallic taste in your mouth, increased thirst and/or urination, decreased appetite, or muscle or bone pain.

Do not take calcium and vitamin D combinations without first talking to your doctor if you take other medications. Calcium can decrease the effects of many other medicines by binding to them.

What is calcium and vitamin D combinations?

Calcium is a mineral that is found naturally in foods. Calcium is necessary for many normal functions of your body, especially bone formation and maintenance. Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium from the stomach and for the functioning of calcium in the body.

Calcium and vitamin D combinations are used to prevent or to treat a calcium deficiency.

Calcium and vitamin D combinations may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take calcium and vitamin D combinations?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you

• have kidney disease;
• have (or have had in the past) kidney stones;

• have heart disease;

• have circulation problems;

• have parathyroid gland disease;

• take a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Sumycin, Achromycin V, Tetralan, and others), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox, Doryx, Doxy, and others), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin, and others), or oxytetracycline (Terramycin, and others).

You may not be able to take calcium and vitamin D combinations, or you may require a lower dose 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 calcium and vitamin D combinations if you are pregnant. Talk to your doctor before taking calcium and vitamin D combinations if you are breast-feeding.

How should I take calcium and vitamin D combinations?

Take calcium and vitamin D combinations 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.

Take calcium and vitamin D combinations tablets and capsules with a full glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablets or capsules. Swallow them whole. Store calcium and vitamin D combinations 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 your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your 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.

Symptoms of a calcium overdose include irregular heartbeats, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, a metallic taste in the mouth, confusion decreased appetite, constipation, weakness, headache, delirium, stupor, and coma.

What should I avoid while taking calcium and vitamin D combinations?

If you take other medicines, do not take calcium and vitamin D combinations without first talking to your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of calcium and vitamin D combinations?

If you experience any of the following side effects, seek emergency medical attention or talk to your doctor:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• an irregular heartbeat;

• nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;

• dry mouth;

• constipation;

• weakness;

• headache;

• a metallic taste;

• muscle or bone pain; or

• drowsiness.

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.