Calcium Interactions
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Calcium has detrimental interactions with the following medications and supplements:
- Cellulose sodium phosphate
Cellulose sodium phosphate medications are used to prevent kidney stones. When calcium supplements are taken at the same time as these medications, it can decrease the effect of the medication and cause the kidney stones to continue to be formed. - Digitalis
Digitalis medications are used to prevent congestive heart failure and some types of heart arrhythmias (irregular heart beats). When calcium supplements are taken at the same time, they can cause further irregular heartbeats and decrease the function of the digitalis medication. - Etidronate
Etidronate medications are used to prevent osteoporosis (and other bone thinning conditions). When calcium supplements are taken at the same time, they decrease the effects of the medication. Etidronate medications should be taken at least 2 hours after taking any calcium supplements to prevent any decrease of the medication's effects. - Gallium nitrate
Gallium nitrate is used to treat high calcium blood levels (hypercalcaemia) that may occur with cancer. Calcium supplements should not be used if this medication is prescribed as it will inactivate the function of the medication and continue to cause high calcium blood levels. - Iron supplements
Iron supplements are used to treat iron-deficient anaemia. Calcium supplements can decrease the absorption of the iron supplements if they are taken at the same time, unless vitamin C supplements are taken at the same time as the iron supplements. Even foods high in calcium can cause an absorption problem if they are taken at the same time as iron supplements (unless vitamin C is also taken). - Oral contraceptives and oestrogens
Oral contraceptives and oestrogen medications are used as contraceptives in premenopausal women and for reducing symptoms on menopausal women. If calcium supplements are taken at the same time, the medication can cause an increased calcium absorption. - Phenytoin
Phenytoin medications are used to prevent and manage seizures in people with epilepsy. If calcium supplements are taken at the same time, it can cause a decreased effect of both the phenytoin medication and also the calcium. It is advisable not to take calcium supplements within 1-3 hours of taking the phenytoin medications. - Tetracyclines (oral)
Tetracyclines (oral) are antibiotics used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. If calcium supplements are taken at the same time as the tetracycline medication it can cause a reduction in the absorption of the tetracycline and nullify its effect.
Calcium supplements have a detrimental effect with a great number of medications and caution is advised
Calcium has beneficial interactions with the following medications and supplements:
- Magnesium-containing medications or supplements
Magnesium-containing medications or supplements are used for a variety of reasons, but mainly to relax the muscles. Calcium supplements taken at the same time as the medications will increase the absorption of magnesium and calcium in the body (from food or supplements). - Vitamin D
Vitamin D supplements are used to help with calcium absorption, especially in people with osteoporosis or risk of developing it. If calcium supplements are taken at the same time, the vitamin D can help the calcium be better absorbed.