Millions of Americans take prescription medications every day for various diseases, infections, and medical conditions. What you may not realize is that many medications can affect the levels of vitamins and minerals within your body and your body's ability to absorb and use these vitamins and minerals. Dilantin, or phenytoin, is one such medication. Calcium supplements taken together with Dilantin can reduce the body's ability to absorb the Dilantin. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Dilantin can also reduce the levels of calcium in the body.
Calcium
Calcium is a mineral found in a large variety of foods and is essential to bone growth and health. Almost all calcium is stored in the body in the bones and teeth, and is what makes them strong. Calcium is also necessary for the movement of muscles and for the communication of nerve messages from the brain to other parts of the body. The Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board recommends that adults between the age of 19 and 50 receive 1,000 mg of calcium a day. It can be found in milk, cheese, kale, broccoli, soft-boned fish such as sardines and salmon, and many fortified breakfast foods.
Dilantin
Dilantin is the brand name for the drug phenytoin. It is an anticonvulsant and used to treat certain types of seizures. It is also used to treat and prevent surgeries that can be caused during or after surgery of the brain or nervous system. It functions by decreasing the electrical activity in your brain. It is available in an extended-release capsule, chewable tablet or a suspension liquid. Your physician will gradually start you on Dilantin and gradually increase your dose until the necessary level is reached. It is important that you follow your prescription as directed by your physician. Dilantin is also known to reduce the level of vitamin D in the body. Vitamin D is essential for balancing calcium and maintaining bone health.
Medical Research
Numerous studies have looked at Dilantin and calcium levels. In a 2010 study published in "Neurology India," researchers looked at the relationship between osteomalacia, or bone softening, and the use of Dilantin. They determined that Dilantin therapy greatly increased the risk for developing osteomalacia and that patients on Dilantin should take calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Considerations
As with any medication and vitamin supplement changes, you should first consult with your physician regarding your Dilantin prescription and the possible need for vitamin supplementation of calcium and vitamin D in order to reduce your risk for developing osteomalacia. While there is evidence that taking calcium with Dilantin can interfere in the absorption of both, the University Of Maryland Medical Center recommends that calcium supplements and Dilantin be taken at least two hours apart in order to prevent absorption interference.
References
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Calcium
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Possible Interactions With Calcium; June 25, 2007
- MedlinePlus; Phenytoin; May 1, 2009
- "Neurology India"; Early Predisposition to Osteomalacia in Indian Adults on Phenytoin or Valproate Monotherapy and Effective Prophylaxis by Simultaneous Supplementation With Calcium and 25-hydroxy Vitamin D at Recommended Daily Allowance Dosage: A Prospective Study; G. Krishnamoorthy et al.; March to April 2010
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