Citracal
Generic Name: calcium citrate (KAL see um SIH trate)
Brand Names: Citracal, Citracal Liquitab
What is Citracal (calcium citrate)?
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. Calcium can also bind to other
minerals (such as phosphate) and aid in their removal from the body.
Calcium citrate is used to prevent and to treat calcium deficiencies.
Calcium citrate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Citracal (calcium citrate)?
Do not take calcium citrate or antacids containing calcium without first talking to your
doctor if you take other medications. Calcium 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.
Who should not take Citracal (calcium citrate)?
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 citrate, 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 citrate if you are pregnant. In general,
calcium is important for the development of an unborn baby.
Talk to your doctor before taking calcium citrate if you are breast-feeding. Calcium is
important for the development of a breast-feeding baby.
How should I take Citracal (calcium citrate)?
Take calcium citrate 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.
Swallow the calcium citrate tablets with a full glass of water.
Allow the effervescent tablets to dissolve completely in the amount of water directed on the
package. Drink the full amount of the mixture once it has dissolved.
Take calcium with meals to increase its absorption by the body, unless otherwise
directed by your doctor.
Store calcium citrate 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 Citracal (calcium citrate)?
If you take other medicines, do not take calcium citrate without first talking to your
doctor.
Citracal (calcium citrate) side effects
Stop taking calcium citrate 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 citrate
and notify your doctor if you experience
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.
What other drugs will affect Citracal (calcium citrate)?
Before taking calcium citrate, tell your doctor if you are taking
-
digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);
-
antacids containing calcium or aluminum;
-
another calcium supplement;
-
calcitriol (Rocaltrol) or vitamin D supplements; or
-
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 citrate, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed
above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with calcium citrate. Talk to your doctor
and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Where can I get more information?
-
Your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider may have more information about calcium
citrate.
-
Consultation with a licensed health care professional is advisable before using any
herbal/health supplement. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of
herbal/health supplements may be beneficial and coordination of treatment among all health care
providers involved may be advantageous. Remember, keep this and all other prescription drug
products, over-the-counter drug products, and herbal/health supplements out of the reach of children.
- Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date,
and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has
been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses
outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs,
diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare
practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the
expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in
no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum
does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The
information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic
reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 2.05. Revision Date: 2/13/04 4:05:42 PM.
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