calcium glubionate Health Article

Generic name(s):

calcium glubionate

Brand name(s):

Calciquid, Neo-Calglucon

What is the most important information I should know about calcium glubionate?

Do not take calcium glubionate or antacids containing calcium without first talking to your doctor if you take other medications. Aluminum 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.

What is calcium glubionate?

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.

Calcium glubionate is used to prevent and to treat calcium deficiencies.

Calcium glubionate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take calcium glubionate?

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 calcium glubionate, 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 calcium glubionate if you are pregnant. In general, calcium is important for the development of an unborn baby. Talk to your doctor before taking calcium glubionate if you are breast-feeding. Calcium is important for the development of a breast-feeding baby.

How should I take calcium glubionate?

Take calcium glubionate 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.

To ensure that you get the correct dose of medicine, measure the liquid form of calcium glubionate with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Since calcium glubionate is available as a syrup, it does not need to be shaken before measuring a dose.

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

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

What should I avoid while taking calcium glubionate?

If you take other medicines, do not take calcium glubionate without first talking to your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of calcium glubionate?

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

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take calcium glubionate 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.