Elemental Calcium+elemental Magnesium
About Elemental Calcium+elemental Magnesium
Elemental Calcium+elemental Magnesium is an oral mineral supplement used to treat or prevent low blood levels of calcium and magnesium. It helps support strong bones, healthy teeth, and proper nerve and muscle function. Doctors commonly prescribe it for people who do not get enough of these essential minerals from their daily diet.
To get the best results, you should take this supplement consistently at the same time every day as directed by your healthcare provider. It is usually best to take this supplement with a meal to improve absorption and reduce the chance of an upset stomach. Eating a balanced diet rich in leafy greens, dairy, and getting regular weight-bearing exercise can further support your bone health.
While taking this supplement, you may experience mild side effects like a temporary upset stomach, gas, or mild constipation. These effects are usually temporary, but you should contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or signs of an allergic reaction.
Do not take this if you have high levels of calcium or magnesium in your blood, severe kidney disease, or certain types of kidney stones unless specifically advised by your doctor. Talk to your doctor before starting this supplement if you have any pre-existing heart problems, bowel diseases, sarcoidosis, or impaired kidney function.
This supplement can interact with certain antibiotics, thyroid medications, and alcohol, which can reduce how well the medicine is absorbed or affect your mineral levels. Pregnant, breastfeeding, or elderly individuals should consult their doctor before starting this supplement to ensure the correct dosage.
Uses of Elemental Calcium+elemental Magnesium
Medicinal Benefits
Elemental Calcium+elemental Magnesium provides essential minerals that support bone strength and healthy muscle function. The following are the benefits of this supplement:
- Helps maintain the physical strength needed for active, pain-free daily movement.
- Provides essential building blocks for the skeleton, helping keep bones strong and resilient.
- Supports healthy smooth muscle function, helping relieve frequent, uncomfortable muscle cramps and stiffness so you can sleep and move more comfortably.
Directions for Use
- Elemental Calcium+elemental Magnesium can be taken with food to prevent stomach upset and enhance absorption.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Swallow the whole Elemental Calcium+elemental Magnesium with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Elemental Calcium+elemental Magnesium
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Upset stomach or mild nausea
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea or loose stools
- Gas or bloating
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Severe dizziness or confusion
- Extreme muscle weakness or fatigue
- Irregular or unusually slow heartbeat
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Check the packaging: Always inspect the bottle and tablets before use. Do not take the medicine if the protective seal is broken or if the tablets appear damaged.
- Space out other medications: Do not take this supplement within 2 hours of taking other medications, especially antibiotics (like tetracyclines or fluoroquinolones) or thyroid hormones, as it can block their absorption.
- Monitor your kidney function: If you are taking this supplement long-term, your doctor may recommend routine blood and kidney tests to ensure your mineral levels remain in a safe range.
- Be cautious with antacids: Many over-the-counter antacids contain calcium or magnesium. Check labels carefully to avoid accidentally taking too much of these minerals.
Drug Interactions
- Antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, doxycycline): Elemental Calcium+elemental Magnesium may reduce the absorption of these antibiotics and make them less effective, so they should be taken at least 2 to 4 hours apart.
- Bisphosphonates/Medicines used to treat osteoporosis (e.g., alendronate): This supplement can lower the absorption of these medicines. Take them at different times of the day.
- Thyroid hormones (e.g., levothyroxine): Calcium can reduce the absorption of thyroid hormones. Levothyroxine should generally be taken at least 4 hours apart from calcium-containing supplements.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionDrinking alcohol can affect calcium absorption; hence, it is advised to limit/avoid alcohol intake while using Elemental Calcium+elemental Magnesium.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult a doctor if you are pregnant. Elemental Calcium+elemental Magnesium is given to pregnant women if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown whether Elemental Calcium+elemental Magnesium is excreted in human milk. Therefore, please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
safeElemental Calcium+elemental Magnesium usually does not impact your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases before taking Elemental Calcium+elemental Magnesium. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and the risks before prescribing it.
Kidney
cautionIt is advised to seek a doctor's advice before starting Elemental Calcium+elemental Magnesium if you have kidney diseases like kidney stones or are undergoing dialysis.
Children
consult your doctorNo information was available about the use of Elemental Calcium+elemental Magnesium in pediatric patients. Please seek medical attention.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat calcium- and vitamin D-rich foods: Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Include dairy products or fortified alternatives, leafy vegetables, tofu, and other calcium-rich foods. Fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods can provide vitamin D.
- Include magnesium-rich foods: Legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables are good sources of magnesium.
- Engage in weight-bearing exercise: Activities like walking, jogging, and resistance training help stimulate bone cells and maintain bone strength.
- Limit excessive caffeine and alcohol: Excessive alcohol intake can negatively affect bone health, while very high caffeine intake may reduce calcium retention.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking adequate water throughout the day can help reduce constipation, which is a common side effect of some calcium supplements.
Special Advise
Your doctor may advise regular monitoring of your calcium levels.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Osteoporosis: It is a bone disease that weakens and brittle bones by decreasing bone density. As the density of bones decreases, they weaken and are more likely to break. Breaking a bone is a serious complication of osteoporosis, especially in older patients. Women are much more likely to develop osteoporosis than are men. Signs and symptoms include back pain caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra, loss of height over time, a stooped posture, and a bone that breaks much more easily than expected.
FAQs
Elemental Calcium+elemental Magnesium is used to prevent and manage calcium deficiency.
Elemental Calcium+elemental Magnesium contains Elemental Calcium and Elemental Magnesium. Elemental Calcium is the main mineral in bones, providing structure and strength. Elemental Magnesium acts as a helper molecule, facilitating several processes crucial for incorporating calcium into bones.
Calcium is vital in muscle contraction, allowing muscles to shorten and generate force. Magnesium acts as a counterpart to calcium, promoting muscle relaxation after contraction. This balanced interaction is essential for smooth and coordinated muscle movements.
Elemental Calcium+elemental Magnesium is not recommended for patients with malabsorption (inefficient absorption of nutrients from the bowel) syndrome. Please consult a doctor before using Elemental Calcium+elemental Magnesium if you have malabsorption syndrome.
• Take the supplement with food. • Start with a low dose and gradually increase it. • Always use as recommended by the healthcare professional.
Elemental Calcium+elemental Magnesium is not recommended for a patient suffering from kidney stones as it may worsen the condition. Therefore, if you have kidney problems or a history of kidney stones, please inform your doctor before taking Elemental Calcium+elemental Magnesium.
• Anyone with pre-existing medical conditions. • Pregnant or breastfeeding women. • People taking medications that may interact with these minerals.
If you are allergic to shellfish, it's best to avoid Elemental Calcium+elemental Magnesium as it contains Calcium derived from ocean coral reefs and can cause allergic reactions such as hives (raised, itchy bumps on the skin), breathing problems and swelling. However consult your doctor, if you have any concerns.
It's important to consult your doctor before taking Elemental Calcium+elemental Magnesium along with another calcium supplement. Taking too much calcium can lead to hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the body) and other health issues.
If you forget a dose of Elemental Calcium+elemental Magnesium, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose at the regular time. But do not double the dose to make up missed dose.
It's important to consult your doctor before using Elemental Calcium+elemental Magnesium during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, to avoid potential interactions.
No, you should not chew or crush Elemental Calcium+elemental Magnesium. It should be swallowed whole with water. Crushing or chewing the Elemental Calcium+elemental Magnesium can alter its effectiveness and absorption.
The common side effects of Elemental Calcium+elemental Magnesium are nausea, constipation, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea. If these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
It is highly recommended to take Elemental Calcium+elemental Magnesium with food. This helps your body absorb the minerals better and lowers the risk of getting an upset stomach. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you struggle with taking it with meals.
The minerals begin to be absorbed after you take the supplement, but the time needed to correct a deficiency or improve bone health depends on the severity of the deficiency, your diet, and the underlying cause. Typically, it may take several weeks of consistent use to see noticeable improvements in bone density or muscle symptoms. Talk to your doctor to monitor your progress.
Yes, calcium-containing supplements can sometimes cause constipation. You can manage this by drinking plenty of water and eating fibre-rich foods, but talk to your doctor if the constipation becomes severe or doesn't improve.
Many multivitamins also contain calcium or magnesium, which could lead to you taking too much. Check the labels of both products and talk to your doctor or pharmacist to ensure you are staying within a safe daily limit.
Muscle weakness can occur with very high calcium or magnesium levels, particularly in people with impaired kidney function, but it can also have many other causes. If you develop significant or worsening muscle weakness, severe fatigue, confusion, or an abnormal heartbeat, stop further doses until you have received medical advice and contact your doctor promptly.
Yes. Dairy products are a useful source of calcium and do not generally need to be avoided. However, remember that the calcium in your food contributes to your total daily calcium intake. If you are taking a calcium supplement, your doctor or pharmacist can help determine how much additional calcium you need.
If you have had kidney stones, taking calcium and magnesium supplements can sometimes increase your risk of developing new ones depending on the cause of your stones. Talk to your doctor to determine if this supplement is safe for your specific condition.
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