Brand Name(s): Calcitrate with D, Caltrate 600 Plus D, Citracal Caplets Plus D, Dical, Os-Cal 250 with D, Os-Cal 500 with D, Os-Cal with D, Oyst-Cal-D, Oystercal D, Posture-D

Generic Name Calcium and Vitamin D

What are Calcium; Vitamin D tablets?

CALCIUM; VITAMIN D is needed by the body to maintain normal nerve, muscle, bone, blood, and tissue structure and function. Vitamin D helps maintain the right amount of calcium in the body for strong bones and teeth. Generic calcium; vitamin D is available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive Calcium; Vitamin D?

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

• constipation
• dehydration
• diarrhea
• heart rhythm problems
• intestine obstruction
• kidney disease
• kidney stones
• liver disease
• parathyroid disease
• sarcoidosis
• stomach ulcer
• too much calcium or vitamin D in the blood or urine
• too much phosphate in the blood
• an unusual or allergic reaction to calcium, vitamin D, tartrazine dye, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Take calcium; vitamin D tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription or package label. Swallow the tablets with a full glass of water. Take with food or within 1 hour after a meal, unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you otherwise. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take more than the prescribed dose.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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; Vitamin D?

• ammonium chloride
• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
• bisacodyl
• certain antibiotics and antivirals
• cholestyramine
• colestipol
• digoxin
• diuretics or 'water pills'
• ezetimibe
• gallium
• ketoconazole
• medicines for angina or high blood pressure
• medicines for osteoporosis
• methenamine
• mineral oil
• mycophenolate
• phenytoin
• quinidine
• orlistat
• rosuvastatin
• sodium phosphate
• steroid medicines such as prednisone
• sucralfate
• seizure medicine
• thyroid medicine

Talk to your prescriber or other health care professional before taking any of these medicines:

• antacids
• multi-vitamin, multi-mineral supplements
• other medicines with calcium as an ingredient
• other medicines with vitamin D as an ingredient

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 side effects may I notice from receiving Calcium; Vitamin D?

Serious side effects from calcium; vitamin D 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:

• bone or muscle pain
• confusion
• constipation
• depression
• diarrhea
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• headache
• high blood pressure
• increased thirst
• increased need to pass urine (especially at night)
• irregular heartbeat
• loss of appetite
• lower back pain or pain and difficulty passing urine
• metallic taste
• nausea, vomiting
• seizures
• stomach pain
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• weight loss

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

What should I watch for while taking Calcium; Vitamin D?

Taking calcium; vitamin D is not a substitute for a well-balanced diet and exercise. Weight-bearing exercise (walking, jogging, dancing, or aerobics) is essential for keeping your bones strong. Calcium is a normal part of a regular diet. Foods that contain significant amounts of calcium include: milk, cheese, yogurt, sardines, salmon, shrimp, and tofu (bean curd). Ask your prescriber or health care professional about the need to take extra calcium. Fish and fish liver oils naturally contain vitamin D. Vitamin D is usually added to milk and bread. Your body makes some of its own vitamin D when you are in the sun.

The absorption of calcium can be reduced if you take it with high-fiber foods, large amounts of alcohol, or drinks containing caffeine. Do not take calcium; vitamin D within 2 hours of any other medicines.

Do not use bonemeal or dolomite as a source of calcium, they can contain dangerous levels of lead.

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 °C (59 and 86 °F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.