Calcium medications are used for electrolyte replacement therapy, for acid indigestion and to control phosphate levels for chronic renal failure patients. Calcium has also been used to help lower blood pressure for certain patients. When calcium is used as an antacid, it should be taken one hour after meals and at bedtime. Calcium may come as an immediate release tablet, a chewable tablet, a gel cap or an extended release tablet; extended release tablets should not be chewed.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Calcium may cause nausea and vomiting. Calcium is to be taken with meals (for example, calcium acetate) or following meals, which may help alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms. People taking calcium may also experience a worsening of acid reflux symptoms, burping and gas. Calcium has the potential to cause either a laxative effect or constipation to include fecal concretions. If symptoms are persistent or severe, see your doctor.
Metabolic Side Effects
Taking a calcium medication can lead to hypercalcemia (too high blood calcium level). The National Institutes of Health reports that mild elevations in serum (blood) calcium may not cause any symptoms; however, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting may be early signs of hypercalcemia. Symptoms of more severe hypercalcemia include confusion, delirium, stupor and coma.
When serum calcium levels become elevated, magnesium and phosphate levels may become too low. This can affect the body's acid-base balance and cardiac function, causing metabolic alkalosis and lethal irregular heart rhythms.
Elevated serum calcium may also lead to metastatic calcinosis, which is deposits of calcium salts in tissue. Patients taking calcium should have serum electrolytes checked weekly.
Central Nervous System Side Effects
People taking calcium medications may experience mood changes and mental changes. Any changes in mood or mentation should be reported to a physician, as these could be signs of toxicity.
Urinary System Side Effects
People taking calcium may experience polyuria, which is a need to urinate frequently. Taking calcium may also lead to renal calculi (kidney stones). Any difficulty urinating and flank or abdominal pain should be reported to a physician.
References
- The National Institute of Health Daily Med Sheets
- Pearson Nurse's Drug Guide 2010; Wilson, B. A., Shannon, T. M., & Shields, K. M.; 2010.
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