Taking a calcium or magnesium supplement can help people meet their recommended dietary allowances of these minerals. Although taking these supplements are usually safe when used as directed, unpleasant side effects may occur for some people. Adverse reactions to these medications can be triggered when the supplements are taken with certain prescription medications. Report all of your current prescription medications to a doctor or pharmacist before taking a calcium or magnesium supplement to avoid these potentially harmful drug interactions. If you experience any unusual reactions to your supplements or medication, contact your doctor.
Calcium Interactions
Calcium supplements can interact or interfere with a number of prescription medications. Some of these medications include fluoroquinolone antibiotics, tetracycline antibiotics, phenytoin, levothyroxine, bisphosphonates, tiludronate disodium, thiazide-type diuretics, loop diuretics and glucocorticoids. Antacid medications that contain aluminum or magnesium may increase the amount of calcium that is lost through urination, while mineral oil or stimulant laxatives may reduce calcium absorption.
Magnesium Interactions
Some prescription medications known to interact negatively with magnesium include bumex, lasix, edecrin, cisplatin, hydrochlorthiazide, amphotericin and tetracycline antibiotics. Several laxatives and antacid medications contain magnesium. Taking these medications while taking a magnesium supplement may cause you to exceed the tolerable upper intake level of the mineral and may increase the likelihood of experiencing unpleasant side effects.
Instructions
Since everyone's situation is different, it is crucial that you talk to a doctor or pharmacist to get specific instructions on how to take your calcium and magnesium supplements with your prescription medication. Your doctor may allow you to take the supplements at any time of day you'd like, or he may suggest that you take the supplements at a different time than you take your prescription medication. The specific type of supplement can also influence your dosing instructions. For example, calcium citrate supplements can be taken with or without food, but calcium carbonate supplements should be taken with a meal for maximum effectiveness.
Warning
It is possible to experience adverse reactions to calcium or magnesium supplements, even when your prescription medication does not have a known drug interaction. For example, exceeding the tolerable upper intake levels of calcium or magnesium may cause unpleasant side effects. The tolerable upper intake level for calcium is 2,500 mg per day, while the tolerable upper intake level for magnesium is 350 mg per day. You should not exceed these amounts unless you are explicitly instructed by a doctor to do so. If you experience any adverse reactions to these supplements, contact your doctor for advice.
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