Generic Name: calcium lactate (KAL see um LACK tate)Brand Names: Ridactate
Calcium is a mineral that is found naturally in foods. Calcium is necessary for many normal functions of the body, especially bone formation and maintenance. Calcium can also bind to other minerals (such as phosphate) and aid in their removal from the body.
Calcium lactate is used to prevent and to treat calcium deficiencies.
Calcium lactate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
have had kidney stones;
have parathyroid gland disease;
take antacids or other calcium supplements; or
take a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Sumycin, Achromycin V, and others), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox, Doxy, and others), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin, and others), or oxytetracycline (Terramycin, and others).
You may not be able to take calcium lactate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions, or take any of the medications, listed above.
Talk to your doctor before taking calcium lactate if you are pregnant. In general, calcium is important for the development of an unborn baby. Talk to your doctor before taking calcium lactate if you are breast-feeding. Calcium is important for the development of a breast-feeding baby.Take calcium lactate exactly as directed by your doctor or follow the directions on the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Swallow the calcium lactate tablets with a full glass of water. Take calcium with meals to increase its absorption by the body, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Store calcium lactate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.See also: Calcium lactate dosage in more detail
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medicine unless your doctor directs otherwise.
Symptoms of a calcium overdose include nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, constipation, confusion, delirium, stupor, and coma.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take calcium lactate and notify your doctor if you experience
nausea or vomiting;
decreased appetite;
constipation;
dry mouth or increased thirst; or
increased urination.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Usual Adult Dose for Hypocalcemia:
325 to 650 mg orally 2 to 3 times a day before meals. Treatment may also consist of vitamin D orally.
Usual Adult Dose for Osteomalacia:
325 to 650 mg orally 2 to 3 times a day before meals. Treatment may also consist of vitamin D orally.
Usual Adult Dose for Hypoparathyroidism:
325 mg orally 3 times a day before meals. Treatment may also consist of vitamin D orally.
Usual Adult Dose for Pseudohypoparathyroidism:
325 mg orally once a day before the breakfast meal. Treatment may also consist of vitamin D orally.
Usual Adult Dose for Osteoporosis:
325 to 650 mg orally 3 times a day before meals. Osteoporosis can be affected by increased serum parathyroid hormone, excessive alcohol intake, tobacco use, certain drugs (corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, heparin, thyroid hormone), dietary vitamin D, and weight bearing exercise.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Hypocalcemia:
Infant: 400 to 500 mg/kg/day orally in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours.Child:500 mg/kg/day orally in divided doses every 6 to 8 hours.
Before taking calcium lactate, tell your doctor if you are taking
digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);
antacids containing calcium or aluminum;
other calcium supplements;
calcitriol (Rocaltrol) or vitamin D supplements; or
a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Sumycin, Achromycin V, and others), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox, Doxy, and others), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin, and others), or oxytetracycline (Terramycin, and others).
You may not be able to take calcium lactate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with calcium lactate. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.