Calcium Citrate

(KAL see um SIT rate)

Dosage Forms

• This drug comes as granules and a tablet.

Pharmacologic Category

• Calcium Salt

What key warnings should I know about before giving this drug to my child?

• Unsafe reactions may happen. This drug cannot be given while your child is taking certain other drugs. Check all the drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to calcium or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let doctor know if your child has any allergies or reactions to drugs, food preservatives, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs involved.
• Not if your child has any of these health problems: High calcium levels, kidney stones, or low phosphate levels.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to promote proper growth and good health.
• It is used to lower high phosphate levels.
• It is used to stop and treat low calcium levels.

How does this drug work?

• Calcium is a dietary supplement that helps the body make strong bones.
• Calcium lowers absorption of phosphate through the GI (gastrointestinal) tract.

How is this drug given?

• Give 1 hour before or 2 hours after high bran or fiber meal.
• Give this drug with food.
• Give 1 to 3 hours after meals as antacid.

How long does this drug take to work?

• Your child may start feeling better a few days after starting this drug.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your child's normal time.
• Do not give two doses or extra doses.

What safety measures should I take while my child is using this drug?

• Check your child's drugs with doctor. This drug may not mix well with other drugs.
• Oral:
• Try to space other drugs from this one by 2 hours. This drug stops absorption of many drugs.
• Do not give iron, zinc, or folic acid within 2 hours of this drug.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Upset stomach or throwing up. Small frequent meals and frequent mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber diet may help. Talk with doctor about a stool softener or laxative.

What should I watch for?

• Change in health problem being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• For unwanted reactions to the drug.
• Follow up with doctor.

When should I call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted reactions happen, or if your child's is not better after taking this drug.
• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call doctor or ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child has a very bad upset stomach or is throwing up.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How should I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect tablets from water. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she should wear allergy ID at all times.
• You can get this drug without a drug order.
• This drug should be thrown out when your child no longer needs it or if the drug becomes outdated.
• Most drugs can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada return any unused drugs back to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Many drugs do not work with other drugs. Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor for health help about side effects. You may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with your child's doctor before giving him/her any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.