Elemental Calcium
About Elemental Calcium
Elemental Calcium is a calcium supplement used effectively in treating various conditions like Vitamin D deficiency, osteoporosis, hypoparathyroidism (low levels of parathyroid hormone), and latent tetany (a muscle disease with low blood calcium levels) caused by low calcium levels in the body.
Elemental Calcium contains elemental calcium, which works by increasing blood calcium levels.
In some cases, you may experience nausea, increased thirst, increased urination, stomach pain, and loss of appetite. Most of these side effects of Elemental Calcium do not require medical attention. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Elemental Calcium or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor. Avoid taking Elemental Calcium if you have high calcium levels in blood or urine, severe kidney problems, kidney stones, or galactosemia (a rare genetic disorder).
Uses of Elemental Calcium
Medicinal Benefits
- Aids in the development and maintenance of strong teeth and bones.
- Cures and prevents osteoporosis and other disorders associated with calcium deficiency.
- Minimises muscular cramps and promotes healthy muscle contraction.
- Helps maintain a regular heartbeat and nerve function.
- Supports increasing calcium requirements during pregnancy, lactation, ageing, and old age.
Directions for Use
- Take Elemental Calcium with food for better absorption, or as advised by the doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions regarding dosage and timing to ensure optimal effectiveness.
- Swallow Elemental Calcium as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Elemental Calcium
- Nausea
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
Medicines Containing this Salt
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Drug Warnings
- If you are allergic to Elemental Calcium or any other medicines, please tell your doctor.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor.
- Elemental Calcium should be used in children only if recommended by a doctor.
- Avoid taking Elemental Calcium if you have high calcium levels in blood or urine, severe kidney problems, kidney stones or galactosaemia (a rare genetic disorder).
- You are recommended to maintain a time gap of at least 3 hours between Elemental Calcium and fluoride preparations or tetracycline antibiotics.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Taking Elemental Calcium with the following medication classes may cause adverse reactions.
- Antibiotic (tetracycline, doxycycline)
• Potential effect: May reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics. - Water pills (hydrochlorothiazide)
• Potential effect: May cause increased calcium levels (hypercalcemia). - Medicine used to treat irregular heart rhythm (digoxin)
• Potential effect: May increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. - Drugs used for fits (phenytoin, carbamazepine)
• Potential effect: May interfere with the absorption of calcium/phenytoin.
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid spinach, rhubarb, bran, and whole grains with Elemental Calcium as they may reduce the absorption of calcium.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have a history of the following conditions before taking Elemental Calcium, as it may worsen your condition or cause complications.
- High calcium levels in blood or urine
- Severe kidney problems
- Kidney stones, or galactosemia (a rare genetic disorder).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorThe interaction of alcohol with Elemental Calcium is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol with Elemental Calcium.
Pregnancy
safe if suggestedElemental Calcium may be safe to use for pregnant women if recommended by a doctor.
Breast Feeding
safe if suggestedElemental Calcium may be safe for breastfeeding mothers if recommended by a doctor.
Driving
consult your doctorIt is unknown if Elemental Calcium affects your ability to drive. Drive only if you are alert after taking Elemental Calcium.
Liver
cautionTake Elemental Calcium with caution, especially if you have a history of liver disease. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Elemental Calcium with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney disease. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required. Avoid taking Elemental Calcium if you have severe kidney problems.
Children
consult your doctorElemental Calcium should be used in children only if advised by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Healthy eating habits:
- To aid in the absorption of calcium, make sure you consume enough vitamin D through diet or sun exposure.
- Add foods high in calcium, such as paneer, ragi, curd, milk, sesame seeds, and leafy green vegetables.
- Limit your intake of carbonated drinks, salt, and caffeine because these can hinder your body's ability to absorb calcium.
Lifestyle modifications:
- To strengthen your bones, try weight-bearing activities like yoga, walking, or modest strength training.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as they weaken bones and decrease the absorption of calcium.
- Because being underweight or overweight has an impact on bone health, maintain a healthy body weight.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Osteoporosis: It is a bone disease that weakens and makes bones brittle by decreasing bone density. As the density of bones decreases, they weaken and are more likely to break. Women are much more likely to develop osteoporosis than men. Signs and symptoms include back pain caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra, loss of height over time, a stooped posture, and a bone that breaks much more easily than expected.
Tetany: A disease condition due to low levels of calcium (hypocalcaemia) in the body, which causes cramps and spasms in the hands, feet, and larynx (voice box).
Hypoparathyroidism: It is a disease characterised by low levels of parathyroid hormone. This can cause low calcium levels and trigger tetany.
FAQs
Elemental Calcium is used to prevent or treat low blood calcium levels in people who cannot get sufficient calcium from their diets. Elemental Calcium effectively treats various conditions caused by low calcium levels in the body, such as osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones), hypoparathyroidism (low levels of parathyroid hormone), and latent tetany (a muscle disease with low blood calcium levels).
Elemental Calcium contains elemental Calcium, which works by increasing calcium levels in the blood.
Elemental Calcium should be used with extreme caution in diabetic patients as it may increase blood sugar levels. Therefore, if you have diabetes, inform your doctor before taking Elemental Calcium.
You are not recommended to take Elemental Calcium with antibiotics such as doxycycline at the same time, as it may reduce the absorption of doxycycline. However, if you are supposed to take both the medicines, you are advised to maintain a time gap of at least 3 hours between Elemental Calcium and doxycycline.
Elemental Calcium may be safe for elderly people if used in doses as advised by a doctor. However, a lower dose may be recommended by a doctor for elderly people.
Elemental Calcium is not recommended for a patient suffering from kidney stones, as it may worsen the condition. Therefore, if you have any kidney problems or have a history of kidney stones, please inform your doctor before taking Elemental Calcium.
Common side effects of Elemental Calcium include nausea, increased thirst and urination, stomach pain, and loss of appetite. These usually resolve on their own. If not, consult your doctor if they continue or get worse.
The active ingredient in Elemental Calcium is elemental calcium.
Yes, Elemental Calcium can help manage osteoporosis as it contains calcium, which is essential for bone formation and maintenance. It supports bone density, reduces fracture risk, and slows disease progression. Consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
You can take Elemental Calcium at night only if your doctor advises it. It is best to follow your doctor's recommended timing of taking Elemental Calcium, which is suitable for your needs and effective. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns at the suggested times.
Elemental Calcium is typically used for a specific duration to treat a particular medical condition. It's not intended for daily or lifelong use. Please consult your doctor for guidance on the recommended duration of treatment and proper usage.
