Calcium salts are a class of calcium supplements commonly used to treat people who have low blood levels of calcium or high blood levels of phosphate. Different forms of calcium salts include calcium acetate, calcium gluconate, calcium citrate and calcium chloride. Calcium salts are typically administered orally or by subcutaneous, intramuscular or intravenous injection. Talk with your physician about the side effects of calcium salts before receiving treatment with any form of this calcium supplement.
Bowel Movement Changes
After receiving a dose of a calcium salt, you may experience bowel movement changes, Patient UK reports. Calcium salts may induce frequent bowel movement urges, also called diarrhea, that yield runny or watery stools. Difficult, uncomfortable or absent bowel movements -- a side effect called constipation -- may also occur. Bowel movement changes may also cause additional stomach-related side effects including excess gas or abdominal cramping or pain. Seek care from your doctor if bowel movement changes persist or become severe, as these side effects may lead to alternate medical complications such as dehydration.
Upset Stomach
Calcium salts may irritate your digestive tract, leading to side effects of nausea or vomiting, KidsHealth explains. These side effects may also contribute to a loss of appetite. Eating a small snack or meal before taking a calcium salt may help reduce or prevent upset stomach symptoms.
Injection Site Irritation
Intravenous, subcutaneous and intramuscular administration of calcium salts may cause skin or vein irritation at the site of injection. You may notice that the skin surrounding the injection site appears inflamed or is sensitive to the touch. Injection site irritation is temporary and typically subsides within a day or two of treatment. Certain types of calcium salts, such calcium chloride, should not be administered by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection due to an increased risk of severe skin damage, Drugs.com warns. If you develop a severe skin reaction, such as blistering or peeling, after receiving a calcium salt injection, consult your doctor for further evaluation and care.
High Calcium Levels
Prolonged or excessive treatment with calcium salts may significantly elevate the amount of calcium in your blood -- a condition called hypercalcemia. Symptoms associated with high calcium levels include stomach upset, confusion, weakness or loss of consciousness. Talk with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of these side effects while taking any form of calcium salt.
Member Comments