Calcium Salts capsules or gelcaps
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What are capsules or gelcaps of calcium salts?
CALCIUM SALTS (PhosLo®) are needed by the body to maintain normal nerve, muscle, bone, blood, and tissue structure and function. PhosLo® (capsules or gelcaps) is a form of calcium salt (calcium acetate), available by prescription only. It is used to to bind phosphate, especially in patients with chronic renal failure or patients receiving dialysis. Generic PhosLo® capsules or gelcaps are not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• dehydration
• diarrhea
• digitalis poisoning
• heart rhythm problems
• sarcoidosis
• too much calcium in the blood or urine, or history of stones in the urine
• too much phosphate in the blood
• too much vitamin D
• under-active parathyroid
• an unusual or allergic reaction to calcium, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
How should I take this medicine?
Take calcium capsules or gelcaps by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules or gelcaps with a full glass of water. Take on an empty stomach, 1 to 1.5 hours after meals, unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you otherwise. However, patients with achlorhydria (lack of stomach acid) should take this medication with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take more than the prescribed dose.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.What drug(s) may interact with calcium salts?
• ammonium chloride
• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
• bisacodyl
• certain antibiotics
• corticosteroid medicines such as prednisone
• etidronate
• gallium
• ketoconazole
• magnesium salts
• medicines for angina or high blood pressure
• heart medicine such as digoxin
• methenamine
• phenytoin
• quinidine
• sodium bicarbonate
• sodium phosphate
• sucralfate
• verapamil
• thiazide diuretics or 'water pills'
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking calcium salts?
Do not take other calcium supplements with PhosLo® without talking to your health care provider. Taking PhosLo® and other calcium products can lead to too much calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia).
Do not take calcium salts within 2 hours of any other medication taken by mouth. In addition, the absorption of calcium can be reduced if you take it with high-fiber foods, large amounts of alcohol or drinks containing caffeine.
What side effects may I notice from taking calcium salts?
Serious side effects from calcium salts are uncommon but can occur with large doses, long-term use, or in patients with kidney disease.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• confusion
• constipation
• depression
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• headache
• increased thirst
• increased volume of urine or frequency in passing urine
• irregular heartbeat
• loss of appetite
• lower back pain or pain and difficulty passing urine
• unusual tiredness or weakness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• stomach upset
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
