Calcium supplement
Class Name: calcium supplement (Oral route, Parenteral route)
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Ascocid
- Cal-C-Caps
- Cal-G
- Cal-Lac
- Citracal
- PhosLo
- Posture
- Prelief
- Rolaids
In Canada
- Alka-Seltzer Relief Chews - Heartburn
- Calcium Antacid Extra Strength
- Citracal Gummies
- Citracal Slow Release
- Sound Body Calcium Antacid Extra Strength - Assorted Fruit Flavors
- Sound Body Calcium Antacid Ultra Strength - Assorted Berry Flavors
- Up & Up Calcium Antacid Extra Strength - Assorted Berries
- Up & Up Calcium Antacid Regular Strength - Assorted Fruit Flavor
- Up & Up Calcium Antacid Regular Strength - Peppermint
Available Dosage Forms:
- Powder
- Granule
- Tablet, Chewable
- Capsule
- Capsule, Liquid Filled
- Tablet
- Suspension
- Powder for Suspension
- Wafer
Uses for this Medicine
Calcium supplements are taken by individuals who are unable to get enough calcium in their regular diet or who have a need for more calcium. They are used to prevent or treat several conditions that may cause hypocalcemia (not enough calcium in the blood). The body needs calcium to make strong bones. Calcium is also needed for the heart, muscles, and nervous system to work properly.
The bones serve as a storage site for the body's calcium. They are continuously giving up calcium to the bloodstream and then replacing it as the body's need for calcium changes from day to day. When there is not enough calcium in the blood to be used by the heart and other organs, your body will take the needed calcium from the bones. When you eat foods rich in calcium, the calcium will be restored to the bones and the balance between your blood and bones will be maintained.
Pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and adolescents may need more calcium than they normally get from eating calcium-rich foods. Adult women may take calcium supplements to help prevent a bone disease called osteoporosis. Osteoporosis, which causes thin, porous, easily broken bones, may occur in women after menopause, but may sometimes occur in elderly men also. Osteoporosis in women past menopause is thought to be caused by a reduced amount of ovarian estrogen (a female hormone). However, a diet low in calcium for many years, especially in the younger adult years, may add to the risk of developing it. Other bone diseases in children and adults are also treated with calcium supplements.
Calcium supplements may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care professional.
A calcium "salt" contains calcium along with another substance, such as carbonate or gluconate. Some calcium salts have more calcium (elemental calcium) than others. For example, the amount of calcium in calcium carbonate is greater than that in calcium gluconate. To give you an idea of how different calcium supplements vary in calcium content, the following chart explains how many tablets of each type of supplement will provide 1000 milligrams of elemental calcium. When you look for a calcium supplement, be sure the number of milligrams on the label refers to the amount of elemental calcium, and not to the strength of each tablet.
| Calcium s...
MEDICAL DEPARTMENTS
Cardiology
Pediatrics
Diabetes Care
Pre-natal Care
Ultrasound Echocardiogram
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