Calcium carbonate + Colecalciferol
Also sold as: Caltrate-D, Shelcal, Os-Cal D
Usual adult dose
Usual adult dose: one tablet (usually 500 to 600 mg calcium with 200 to 400 IU vitamin D3) once or twice a day with meals. Take at least 2 hours apart from iron tablets, thyroid tablets and some antibiotics.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- constipation
- gas
- bloating
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- signs of high calcium (constant thirst
- confusion
- vomiting)
- kidney stone pain
Do not take it, or take care, if
- High calcium in the blood
- Kidney stones or serious kidney disease (use only if a doctor advises)
- Do not take together with other vitamin D or calcium products unless advised
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Moderate4 medicinesTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Alendronic acid
Calcium blocks absorption of alendronic acid; take alendronic acid first and wait at least 30 minutes.
- Ciprofloxacin
Calcium reduces absorption of ciprofloxacin; take the antibiotic 2 hours before or 6 hours after calcium.
- Doxycycline
Calcium binds doxycycline in the gut; take them at least 2 to 3 hours apart.
- Levothyroxine
Calcium reduces absorption of levothyroxine; take them at least 4 hours apart.