Calcium supplement
500 milligram calcium supplements made from calcium carbonate
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| Trade names | Alka-Mints, Calcet, Tums, others |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
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| Routes of administration |
by mouth, intravenous |
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Calcium supplements are salts of calcium used in a number of conditions. Supplementation is generally only required when there is not enough calcium in the diet. By mouth they are used to treat and prevent low blood calcium, osteoporosis, and rickets. By injection into a vein they are used for low blood calcium that is resulting in muscle spasms and for high blood potassium or magnesium toxicity.
Common side effects include constipation and nausea. When taken by mouth high blood calcium is uncommon. Calcium supplements unlike calcium from dietary sources appears to increase the risk of kidney stones. Adults generally require about a gram of calcium a day. Calcium is particularly important for bones, muscles, and nerves.
The medical use of calcium supplements began in the 19th century. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. They are avaliable as generic medication. The wholesale cost in the developing world is about 0.92 to 4.76 USD per month. In the United States treatment generally costs less than 25 USD per month. Versions are also sold together with vitamin D.
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