Calcium Gluconate Tablets

What is this medication?

CALCIUM GLUCONATE (KAL see um GLOO koe nate) increases calcium levels in your body. Calcium is a mineral that plays an important role in building strong bones and maintaining heart health.

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

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

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

• High levels of calcium in the blood
• History of kidney stones
• Kidney disease
• Parathyroid disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to calcium, 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 label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Do not use it more often than directed.

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 regarding 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.

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?

• Certain antibiotics called quinolones like ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin
• Certain antibiotics called tetracyclines like doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline
• Certain diuretics
• Digoxin
• Other calcium products
• Phenytoin
• Sucralfate
• Thyroid hormones like levothyroxine

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.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress.

Follow a healthy diet. Taking a vitamin or mineral supplement does not replace the need for a balanced diet. You may need to eat more foods that contain calcium. Talk to your care team. Foods that contain calcium include milk, yogurt, cheese, leafy green vegetables, and calcium-fortified beverages such as juices, almond, and soy milk.

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):

• Burping
• Constipation
• Gas

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) or as directed on the package label. Protect from moisture. 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, take 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.