Calcium; Vitamin D Tablets

Calcium with vitamin D is a supplement that prevents low levels of calcium and vitamin D. Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that your body uses for normal bone development and maintenance. Vitamin D also helps your nervous system, musculoskeletal system and immune system. You can take this supplement by mouth with a glass of water as directed.

What is this medication?

CALCIUM; VITAMIN D (KAL see um; VAHY tuh min D) prevents and treats low calcium and vitamin D levels in your body. Vitamin D and calcium help build and maintain the health of your bones. Vitamin D also plays an important role in supporting your immune system and brain health.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Calcarb 600 with Vitamin D, Calcet Petites, Calcet Plus Vitamin D, Calcitrate + D, Calcium Citrate + D3 Maximum, Calcium Citrate Maximum with D, Caltrate, Caltrate 600+D, Caltrate Colon Health, Citracal + D, Citracal MAXIMUM + D, Citracal Petites with Vitamin D, Citrus Calcium Plus D, OSCAL 500 + D, OSCAL Calcium + D3, OSCAL Extra D3, Osteo-Poretical, Oysco 500 + D, Oysco D, Oystercal-D Calcium

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Constipation
  • Dehydration
  • Heart disease
  • High level of calcium or vitamin D in the blood
  • High level of phosphate in the blood
  • Kidney disease
  • Kidney stones
  • Liver disease
  • Parathyroid disease
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Stomach ulcer or obstruction
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to calcium, vitamin D, tartrazine dye, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Take it with food or within 1 hour after a meal. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

This product contains calcium. It should be taken at a different time of day than some other medications taken by mouth. Talk to your care team if you are not sure if you should separate the timing of your medications.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Advertisement

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 may interact with this medication?

  • Antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, tetracycline
  • Digoxin
  • Diuretics
  • Iron supplements
  • Medications for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole
  • Mineral oil
  • Other vitamins with calcium, vitamin D, or minerals
  • Phenytoin
  • Quinidine
  • Sucralfate
  • Thyroid medication

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Advertisement

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Taking this medication is not a substitute for a well-balanced diet and exercise. Talk with your care team and follow a healthy lifestyle.

Do not take any non-prescription medications that have vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, or calcium, including antacids, while taking this medication, unless your care team says you can. The extra supplements can cause side effects.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • High calcium level—increased thirst or amount of urine, nausea, vomiting, confusion, unusual weakness or fatigue, bone pain

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Constipation
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Upset stomach
  • Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, pour the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Copyright ©2024 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Terms of use.

Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

Ad
Call Appointment Center 866.320.4573
Questions 216.444.2200