Caltrate (Calcium Carbonate & Vitamin D) is an over-the-counter medication used to prevent or treat low blood calcium levels in people who do not get enough calcium from their diets. Calcium is vital for numerous bodily functions. It plays a key role in bone and teeth health, muscle function, nerve transmission, and blood clotting. It also helps regulate blood pressure and heart rhythm, release hormones, and play a weight management role. Caltrate may also be used to treat conditions caused by low calcium levels, such as bone loss (osteoporosis), weak bones (osteomalacia/rickets), decreased activity of the parathyroid gland (hypoparathyroidism), and latent tetany, a muscle disease. This medicine is also used as a supplement in individuals with increased calcium needs, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, postmenopausal women, or people taking certain medications that can deplete calcium levels. The active ingredients in Caltrate are Calcium Carbonate & Vitamin D. Calcium Carbonate belongs to a class of drugs called calcium supplements. It works by supplementing the body's calcium for necessary bodily functions. Vitamin D belongs to a class of medications called fat-soluble vitamins. It works by improving the absorption of calcium in the body.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Caltrate from Canada manufactured by GSK in the strength of 250 mg/115 mg/ 400 IU gummies, 600 mg/800 IU tablets, 600 mg/400 IU tablets, and 600 mg tablets. Generic version is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Caltrate. The most common side effects of Caltrate may include the following:
• Abdominal pain;
• Constipation;
• Gas;
• Nausea
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Kidney stones;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat;
• Signs of hypercalcemia, such as nausea, constipation, muscle weakness, increased thirst and urination
These are not all of Caltrate's side effects. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Caltrate if you are allergic to Calcium Carbonate & Vitamin D or any ingredient in Caltrate. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant;
• Have certain cancers;
• Have disease of the pancreas;
• Have hypercalcemia;
• Have hyperparathyroidism;
• Have kidney disease;
• Have kidney stones;
• Have little or no stomach acid;
• Have malabsorption syndrome;
• Have sarcoidosis
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between the Caltrate and other medicines, such as doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, alendronate, digoxin, levothyroxine, phenytoin, iron supplements, diuretics, etc. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Pregnant women have increased calcium requirements to support fetal bone development. However, excessive calcium intake during pregnancy can lead to complications, including kidney stones. Discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine in pregnancy with your doctor. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Breastfeeding mothers have increased calcium needs to support milk production and maintain their bone health. However, excessive intake can potentially lead to hypercalcemia in the mother. Discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine when breastfeeding with your doctor.
Use this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes. Caltrate comes in tablets and gummies. Thoroughly chew the gummies before swallowing. Caltrate gummies can be taken at any time of day, with or without food. Gummies may contain sugars. Consider this if you are watching your sugar intake. Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush or chew them. Caltrate tablets can be taken with or without food. However, taking them with food may help minimize stomach upset. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, as calcium can contribute to constipation. Take Caltrate at the same time each day to maintain consistent calcium levels in your body. Store this drug at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.