Calc Acid Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Nutri-West
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Calc Acid against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Calc Acid is a dietary supplement by Nutri-West with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for bone health and osteoporosis prevention, dietary calcium deficiency, heartburn relief (calcium carbonate antacids).Based on those ingredients, 195 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Calcium Gluconate, Betaine HCl. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Calc Acid by Nutri-West
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Calc Acid by Nutri-West — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
Ask the Pharmacist
A licensed pharmacist will answer your question by email — free, usually within 24 hours.
Got it — thank you!
A licensed pharmacist will answer within 24 hours. Keep an eye on your email (worth checking spam, just in case).
HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Calc Acid by Nutri-West
Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
Calc Acid contains six ingredients, four of which are forms of calcium — calcium phosphate, calcium ascorbate, calcium gluconate (a blend), and calcium aspartate — along with two others: betaine hydrochloride and ammonium chloride. The product also includes glutamic acid.
You'll find no inactive fillers or binders listed. The calcium content is meant to address low blood calcium (hypocalcemia), kidney function, stomach upset (dyspepsia), and bone health; betaine HCl is traditionally used to support stomach acid and digestion.
Does it work?
Strong evidence
The calcium in this product is effective for low blood calcium, kidney failure, stomach upset, and is likely effective for osteoporosis. The betaine hydrochloride component, however, has insufficient evidence in our data to show it works for dyspepsia, low thyroid function, diarrhea, rheumatoid arthritis, food allergies, or hay fever.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Calcium is generally well tolerated when you take the recommended dose, but high amounts can cause problems. Common side effects from oral calcium include belching, constipation, diarrhea, gas, and stomach upset.
Rare serious concerns include kidney stones and a condition called calciphylaxis. There's also some research suggesting that very high calcium intake — over 1,500–2,000 mg daily — may be weakly linked to prostate cancer risk and possibly cardiovascular issues, though the evidence is mixed.
Betaine HCl can irritate the stomach and is not safe if you have ulcers, gastritis, or true acid reflux. It should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding because there isn't enough safety data.
For calcium alone, adequate intake is important in pregnancy and lactation — stay within recommended amounts and check with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you're pregnant or nursing.
Meds to double-check
Major interaction found
Before taking Calc Acid, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on dolutegravir, elvitegravir, ceftriaxone (especially IV), raltegravir, levothyroxine, sotalol, calcipotriene, diltiazem, H2-blockers, antacids, or PPIs. The calcium can reduce how well some of these work, and the timing of your doses will matter.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
Calc Acid is useful if you need extra calcium for bone health or low blood calcium, and the calcium it contains is effective for those purposes. However, it has serious interactions with certain HIV medications and ceftriaxone, and moderate interactions with thyroid hormone, heart drugs, and acid-reducing medications.
If you take any prescription drugs — especially for HIV, thyroid function, heart rhythm, or stomach acid — talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this product. Betaine HCl in it isn't proven to work for digestive complaints and isn't safe in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 4 of 6 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 25, 2013.
This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed
General information
Key facts about Calc Acid, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Nutri-West |
|---|---|
| Net contents | 90 Tablet(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Nov 25, 2013 |
| DSLD ID | 27573 |
| Product type | Other Combinations |
| Supplement form | Tablet Or Pill |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Dairy Free, Sugar Free |
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.
Supplement Facts
The label details for Calc Acid by Nutri-West, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium Phosphate | 105 mg | -- |
| Glutamic Acid | 120 mg | -- |
| Ammonium Chloride | 100 mg | -- |
| Calcium Ascorbate | 50 mg | -- |
| Calcium Gluconate | 40 mg | 4% |
| Betaine HCl | 15 mg | -- |
| Calcium Aspartate | 35 mg | -- |
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General
Product # 1355
General Statements
FOR DISTRIBUTION BY HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS ONLY.
"When You Want The Best"
Precautions
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
TAMPER RESISTANT OUTER SEAL - DO NOT USE IF BROKEN.
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Formulation
Contains no starch, salt, sugar, wheat, corn, yeast, soy, milk, or preservatives.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Directions for use: One tablet daily, or as directed
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Calc Acid by Nutri-West label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Calc Acid by Nutri-West
These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Amounts shown are per serving.
Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.
Glutamic Acid
Ammonium Chloride
Calcium Gluconate
Interacts with168 drugs
Calcium is an essential mineral your body needs for strong bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function, and supplements can help fill gaps when diet f...
Calcium Gluconate monograph & interactionsBetaine HCl
Interacts with36 drugs
Betaine hydrochloride is a supplement used to temporarily increase stomach acid in people who may have low acid levels. Evidence for its benefits is l...
Betaine HCl monograph & interactionsCalc Acid by Nutri-West Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Calc Acid by Nutri-West carries significant interactions with several medication classes, mainly because of its calcium content.
The most serious concern is with HIV integrase inhibitors — dolutegravir (Tivicay) and elvitegravir (Vitekta) — where calcium can drop their blood levels by as much as 40%, potentially reducing their effectiveness. You'll need to take these drugs either 2 hours before or 2–6 hours after your calcium dose, depending on which one you're on.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
The product also has Major-severity interactions with the antibiotic ceftriaxone (Rocephin) when given intravenously — calcium can cause it to precipitate in your lungs and kidneys. Avoid intravenous calcium within 48 hours of IV ceftriaxone.
Moderate interactions include raltegravir (Isentress, another HIV drug), thyroid hormone levothyroxine (Synthroid), the heart drug sotalol (Betapace), the psoriasis medication calcipotriene (Dovonex), and the calcium-channel blocker diltiazem (Cardizem). Calcium reduces absorption of levothyroxine and sotalol, so space them apart — 4 hours for thyroid medication, 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after for sotalol.
Betaine HCl in this product also has Minor interactions with stomach-acid-reducing drugs: H2-blockers, antacids, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
Additionally, we could not check glutamic acid and ammonium chloride — we hold no data for them. Altogether, these interactions span 195 individual medications.
Use the medication checker on this page to verify your exact prescriptions before starting.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Calc Acid?
Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.
Go to the checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Calc Acid interact with 195 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
2 of the 4 ingredients in Calc Acid interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Calcium Gluconate Betaine HCl
Bendroflumethiazide, PotassiumCentyl K, Neo-NaClex-K
How Bendroflumethiazide, Potassium interacts with Calc Acid — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium AspartateThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium Aspartate + Bendroflumethiazide, Potassium interactionBendroflumethiazide, Rauwolfia SerpentinaRauzide
How Bendroflumethiazide, Rauwolfia Serpentina interacts with Calc Acid — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium AspartateThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium Aspartate + Bendroflumethiazide, Rauwolfia Serpentina interactionBenzthiazideExna
How Benzthiazide interacts with Calc Acid — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium AspartateThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium Aspartate + Benzthiazide interactionBetamethasone Dipropionate, CalcipotrieneEnstilar, Wynzora
How Betamethasone Dipropionate, Calcipotriene interacts with Calc Acid — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium AspartateCalcipotriene (dovonex) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcipotriene with calcium might increase the risk for hypercalcemia.
Read the full Calcium Aspartate + Betamethasone Dipropionate, Calcipotriene interactionBictegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir AlafenamideBiktarvy
How Bictegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide interacts with Calc Acid — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium AspartateBictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir Alafenamide (biktarvy) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption when taken in a fasting state.
Read the full Calcium Aspartate + Bictegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide interactionBismuth Subsalicylate, Metronidazole, TetracyclineHelidac
How Bismuth Subsalicylate, Metronidazole, Tetracycline interacts with Calc Acid — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium AspartateTetracycline Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
Read the full Calcium Aspartate + Bismuth Subsalicylate, Metronidazole, Tetracycline interactionBisoprolol, HydrochlorothiazideZiac
How Bisoprolol, Hydrochlorothiazide interacts with Calc Acid — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium AspartateThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium Aspartate + Bisoprolol, Hydrochlorothiazide interactionCalcipotrieneDovonex
How Calcipotriene interacts with Calc Acid — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium AspartateCalcipotriene (dovonex) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcipotriene with calcium might increase the risk for hypercalcemia.
Read the full Calcium Aspartate + Calcipotriene interactionCandesartan Cilexetil, HydrochlorothiazideAtacand HCT
How Candesartan Cilexetil, Hydrochlorothiazide interacts with Calc Acid — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium AspartateThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium Aspartate + Candesartan Cilexetil, Hydrochlorothiazide interactionCaptopril, HydrochlorothiazideAcezide, Capozide
How Captopril, Hydrochlorothiazide interacts with Calc Acid — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium AspartateThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium Aspartate + Captopril, Hydrochlorothiazide interactionChlorothiazideDiuril
How Chlorothiazide interacts with Calc Acid — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium AspartateThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium Aspartate + Chlorothiazide interactionChlorothiazide, MethyldopaAldochlor, Aldoclor 150, Aldoclor 250
How Chlorothiazide, Methyldopa interacts with Calc Acid — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium AspartateThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium Aspartate + Chlorothiazide, Methyldopa interactionChlorothiazide, ReserpineDiupres
How Chlorothiazide, Reserpine interacts with Calc Acid — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium AspartateThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium Aspartate + Chlorothiazide, Reserpine interactionChlortetracyclineAureomycin
How Chlortetracycline interacts with Calc Acid — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium AspartateTetracycline Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
Read the full Calcium Aspartate + Chlortetracycline interactionChlorthalidoneHygroton, Thalitone
How Chlorthalidone interacts with Calc Acid — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium AspartateThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium Aspartate + Chlorthalidone interactionChlorthalidone, ClonidineClorpres, Combipres
How Chlorthalidone, Clonidine interacts with Calc Acid — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium AspartateThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium Aspartate + Chlorthalidone, Clonidine interactionCinoxacinCinobac
How Cinoxacin interacts with Calc Acid — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium AspartateQuinolone Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics.
Read the full Calcium Aspartate + Cinoxacin interactionCiprofloxacinCiloxan, Cipro, Cipro IV, Cipro XR, Ciprobay, Otiprio
How Ciprofloxacin interacts with Calc Acid — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium AspartateQuinolone Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics.
Read the full Calcium Aspartate + Ciprofloxacin interactionClinafloxacinClinafloxacin
How Clinafloxacin interacts with Calc Acid — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium AspartateQuinolone Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics.
Read the full Calcium Aspartate + Clinafloxacin interactionCryptenamine, MethyclothiazideDiutensen
How Cryptenamine, Methyclothiazide interacts with Calc Acid — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium AspartateThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium Aspartate + Cryptenamine, Methyclothiazide interactionCyclothiazideAnhydron, Fluidil
How Cyclothiazide interacts with Calc Acid — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium AspartateThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium Aspartate + Cyclothiazide interactionDarunavir, Cobicistat, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir AlafenamideSymtuza
How Darunavir, Cobicistat, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide interacts with Calc Acid — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium AspartateBictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir Alafenamide (biktarvy) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption when taken in a fasting state.
Read the full Calcium Aspartate + Darunavir, Cobicistat, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide interactionDemeclocyclineDeclomycin
How Demeclocycline interacts with Calc Acid — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium AspartateTetracycline Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
Read the full Calcium Aspartate + Demeclocycline interactionDeserpidine, HydrochlorothiazideOreticyl, Oreticyl Forte
How Deserpidine, Hydrochlorothiazide interacts with Calc Acid — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium AspartateThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium Aspartate + Deserpidine, Hydrochlorothiazide interactionDeserpidine, MethyclothiazideEnduronyl, Enduronyl Forte
How Deserpidine, Methyclothiazide interacts with Calc Acid — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium AspartateThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium Aspartate + Deserpidine, Methyclothiazide interactionDigoxinDigitek, Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin
How Digoxin interacts with Calc Acid — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium AspartateDigoxin (lanoxin) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Using intravenous calcium with digoxin might increase the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Read the full Calcium Aspartate + Digoxin interactionDihydroxyaluminum Sodium CarbonateRolaids
How Dihydroxyaluminum Sodium Carbonate interacts with Calc Acid — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium AspartateAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity.
Read the full Calcium Aspartate + Dihydroxyaluminum Sodium Carbonate interactionBetaine HclAntacids Minor
Interaction Summary
Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of antacids.
Read the full Betaine Hcl + Dihydroxyaluminum Sodium Carbonate interactionDiltiazemAdizem-SR, Adizem-XL, Angitil SR, Angitil XL, Calcicard CR, Cardizem +23 more
How Diltiazem interacts with Calc Acid — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium AspartateCalcium Channel Blockers, Diltiazem (cardizem, Others) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Intravenous calcium may decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers; oral calcium is unlikely to have this effect.
Read the full Calcium Aspartate + Diltiazem interactionDiltiazem, EnalaprilTeczem
How Diltiazem, Enalapril interacts with Calc Acid — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium AspartateCalcium Channel Blockers, Diltiazem (cardizem, Others) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Intravenous calcium may decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers; oral calcium is unlikely to have this effect.
Read the full Calcium Aspartate + Diltiazem, Enalapril interactionDoripenemDoribax
How Doripenem interacts with Calc Acid — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium AspartateQuinolone Antibiotics, Tetracycline Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics.
Read the full Calcium Aspartate + Doripenem interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Calc Acid with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Calcium Gluconate
Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)
Co-administration of intravenous calcium and ceftriaxone can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys.
Avoid administering intravenous calcium in any form, such as parenteral nutrition or Lactated Ringers, within 48 hours of intravenous ceftriaxone. Case reports in neonates show that administering intravenous ceftriaxone and calcium can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys. In several cases, neonates have died as a result of this interaction. So far there are no reports in adults; however, there is still concern that this interaction might occur in adults.
Dolutegravir (Tivicay)
Calcium seems to reduce levels of dolutegravir.
Advise patients to take dolutegravir either 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium carbonate 1200 mg concomitantly with dolutegravir 50 mg reduces plasma levels of dolutegravir by almost 40%. Calcium appears to decrease levels of dolutegravir through chelation.
Elvitegravir (Vitekta)
Calcium seems to reduce levels of elvitegravir.
Advise patients to take elvitegravir either 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium along with elvitegravir can reduce blood levels of elvitegravir through chelation.
Aluminum
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity. Other types of calcium do not increase aluminum absorption.
Calcium citrate can increase the absorption of aluminum when taken with aluminum hydroxide. The increase in aluminum levels may become toxic, particularly in individuals with kidney disease. However, the effect of calcium citrate on aluminum absorption is due to the citrate anion rather than calcium cation. Calcium acetate does not appear to increase aluminum absorption.
Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)
Calcium might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption when taken in a fasting state.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide and calcium can be taken together if taken with food. However, if taken on an empty stomach, bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should not be taken with, or 2 hours after, calcium containing products.
Bisphosphonates
Calcium reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Advise patients to take bisphosphonates at least 30 minutes before calcium, but preferably at a different time of day. Calcium supplements decrease absorption of bisphosphonates.
Calcipotriene (Dovonex)
Taking calcipotriene with calcium might increase the risk for hypercalcemia.
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D analog used topically for psoriasis. It can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to cause systemic effects, including hypercalcemia. Theoretically, combining calcipotriene with calcium supplements might increase the risk of hypercalcemia.
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Using intravenous calcium with digoxin might increase the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Hypercalcemia increases the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias with digoxin. However, one retrospective analysis of clinical data suggests that intravenous calcium does not increase the risk of dysrhythmias or mortality in patients receiving digoxin.
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Others)
Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of diltiazem.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, calcium might increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of diltiazem.
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)
Calcium seems to reduce the absorption and effectiveness of levothyroxine.
Advise patients to take levothyroxine and calcium supplements at least 4 hours apart. Calcium reduces levothyroxine absorption, probably by forming insoluble complexes. Calcium carbonate supplements reduce effectiveness of levothyroxine in patients with hypothyroidism.
Lithium
Theoretically, concomitant use of calcium and lithium may increase this risk of hypercalcemia.
Clinical research suggests that long-term use of lithium may cause hypercalcemia in 10% to 60% of patients. Theoretically, concomitant use of lithium and calcium supplements may further increase this risk.
Quinolone Antibiotics
Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral quinolones at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements or calcium-fortified foods. Taking calcium at the same time as oral quinolones can reduce quinolone absorption. Calcium binds to quinolones in the gut.
Raltegravir (Isentress)
Calcium may reduce levels of raltegravir.
Pharmacokinetic research shows that taking a single dose of calcium carbonate 3000 mg along with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily modestly decreases the mean area under the curve of raltegravir, but the decrease does not necessitate a dose adjustment of raltegravir. However, a case of elevated HIV-1 RNA levels and documented resistance to raltegravir has been reported for a patient taking calcium carbonate 1 gram three times daily plus vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 400 IU three times daily in combination with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily for 11 months. It is thought that calcium reduced raltegravir levels by chelation, leading to treatment failure.
Sotalol (Betapace)
Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of sotalol.
Advise patients to separate doses by at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium. Calcium appears to reduce the absorption of sotalol, probably by forming insoluble complexes.
Tetracycline Antibiotics
Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral tetracyclines at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements. Taking calcium at the same time as oral tetracyclines can reduce tetracycline absorption. Calcium binds to tetracyclines in the gut.
Thiazide Diuretics
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Thiazides reduce calcium excretion by the kidneys. Using thiazides along with moderately large amounts of calcium carbonate increases the risk of milk-alkali syndrome (hypercalcemia, metabolic alkalosis, renal failure). Patients may need to have their serum calcium levels and/or parathyroid function monitored regularly.
Verapamil (Calan, Others)
Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of verapamil.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, use of calcium supplements may increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of verapamil.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Intravenous calcium may decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers; oral calcium is unlikely to have this effect.
Intravenous calcium is used to decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers in the management of overdose. Intravenous calcium gluconate has been used before intravenous verapamil (Isoptin) to prevent or reduce the hypotensive effects without affecting the antiarrhythmic effects. But there is no evidence that dietary or supplemental calcium when taken orally interacts with calcium channel blockers.
Betaine HCl
Antacids
Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of antacids.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. Antacids are taken to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with antacids might decrease the effects of the antacids.
H2-Blockers
Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of H2-blockers.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. H2-blockers are used to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with H2-blockers might decrease the effects of H2-blockers.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (Ppis)
Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of PPIs.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. PPIs are used to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with PPIs might decrease the effects of PPIs
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Calc Acid, from the product label.
Calc Acid by Nutri-West: Common Questions
Does Calc Acid by Nutri-West interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
Can I breastfeed while taking this?
What are the most common side effects?
Will this help my stomach upset?
Is this safe for people with ulcers or acid reflux?
What is betaine HCl and why is it in here?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Calc Acid is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.
The Full Monographs Behind Calc Acid’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Calcium
Interacts with 168 drugsCalcium is an essential mineral your body needs for strong bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function, and supplements can help fill gaps when diet falls short. Most people do best getting...
Read the full Calcium monograph → Herb & supplement monographBetaine Hydrochloride
Interacts with 36 drugsBetaine hydrochloride is a supplement used to temporarily increase stomach acid in people who may have low acid levels. Evidence for its benefits is limited and mostly based on tradition rat...
Read the full Betaine Hydrochloride monograph →Sources & How We Checked
Calc Acid's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
The 64 references behind this product’s interaction data
Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
Calcium 62 references
- Shils M, Olson A, Shike M. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lea and Febiger, 1994.
- Hernandez-Avila M, Gonzalez-Cossio T, Hernandez-Avila JE, et al. Dietary calcium supplements to lower blood lead levels in lactating women: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Epidemiology 2003;14:206-12.. PubMed
- Thys-Jacobs S, Ceccarelli S, Bierman A, et al. Calcium supplementation in premenstrual syndrome: a randomized crossover trial. J Gen Intern Med 1989;4:183-9. PubMed
- Maton PN, Burton ME. Antacids revisited: a review of their clinical pharmacology and recommended therapeutic use. Drugs 1999;57:855-70.
- Clemens JD, Feinstein AR. Calcium carbonate and constipation: a historical review of medical mythopoeia. Gastroenterology 1977;72:957-61. DOI
- Saunders D, Sillery J, Chapman R. Effect of calcium carbonate and aluminum hydroxide on human intestinal function. Dig Dis Sci 1988;33:409-13. PubMed
- Friedman PA, Bushinsky DA. Diuretic effects on calcium metabolism. Semin Nephrol 1999;19:551-6.
- Koo WK, Walters JC, Esterlitz J, et al. Maternal calcium supplementation and fetal bone mineralization. Obstet Gynecol 1999;94:577-82. DOI
- Raman L, Rajalakshmi K, Krishnamachari KAVR, et al. Effect of calcium supplementation to undernourished mothers during pregnancy on the bone density of the neonates. Am J Clin Nutr 1978; 31:466-9. DOI
- Murry JJ, Healy MD. Drug-mineral interactions: a new responsibility for the hospital dietician. J Am Diet Assoc 1991;91:66-73.
- Chan JM, Giovannucci E, Andersson SO, et al. Dairy products, calcium, phosphorous, vitamin D, and risk of prostate cancer. Cancer Causes Control 1998;9:559-66.
- Butner LE, Fulco PP, Feldman G, et al. Calcium carbonate-induced hypothyroidism. Ann Intern Med 2000:132:595. PubMed
- Schneyer CR. Calcium carbonate and reduction of levothyroxine efficacy. JAMA 1998;279:750. PubMed
- Moser LR, Smythe MA, Tisdale JE. The use of calcium salts in the prevention and management of verapamil-induced hypotension. Ann Pharmacother 2000;34:622-9. PubMed
- Singh N, Singh PN, Hershman JM. Effect of calcium carbonate on the absorption of levothyroxine. JAMA 2000;283:2822-5. PubMed
- Kahela P, Anttila M, Tikkanen R, Sundquist H. Effect of food, food constituents and fluid volume on the bioavailability of sotalol. Acta Pharmacol Toxicol (Copenh) 1979;44:7-12.. PubMed
- Pletz MW, Petzold P, Allen A, et al. Effect of calcium carbonate on bioavailability of orally administered gemifloxacin. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2003;47:2158-60.. PubMed
- Bar-Or D, Yoel G. Calcium and calciferol antagonize effect of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Br Med J 1981;282:1585-6.
- Decktor DL, Robinson M, Maton PN, et al. Effects of aluminum/magnesium hydroxide and calcium carbonate on esophageal and gastric pH in subjects with heartburn. Am J Ther 1995;2:546-52. PubMed
- Simoneau G. Absence of rebound effect with calcium carbonate. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 1996;21:351-7. PubMed
- Peters ML, Leonard M, Licata AA. Role of alendronate and risedronate in preventing and treating osteoporosis. Cleve Clin J Med 2001;68:945-51. PubMed
- Bourke JF, Mumford R, Whittaker P, et al. The effects of topical calcipotriol on systemic calcium homeostasis in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. J Am Acad Dermatol 1997;37:929-34.
- Gueguen L, Pointillart A. The bioavailability of dietary calcium. J Am Coll Nutr 2000;19:119s-136s. PubMed
- Vella A, Gerber TC, Hayes DL, Reeder GS. Digoxin, hypercalcaemia, and cardiac conduction. Postgrad Med J 1999;75:554-6. PubMed
- Bania TC, Blaufeux B, Hughes S, et al. Calcium and digoxin vs. calcium alone for severe verapamil toxicity. Acad Emerg Med 2000;7:1089-96. PubMed
- Tseng M, Breslow RA, Graubard BI, Ziegler RG. Dairy, calcium, and vitamin D intakes and prostate cancer risk in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Epidemiologic Follow-up Study cohort. Am J Clin Nutr 2005;81:1147-54. PubMed
- Weingarten MA, Zalmanovici A, Yaphe J. Dietary calcium supplementation for preventing colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2004;(1):CD003548. PubMed
- Tavani A, Bertuccio P, Bosetti C, et al. Dietary intake of calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus and the risk of prostate cancer. Eur Urol 2005;48:27-33. PubMed
- Giovannucci E, Liu Y, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC. A prospective study of calcium intake and incident and fatal prostate cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15:203-10. PubMed
- Rocephin (ceftriaxone) and calcium interaction. Pharmacist's Letter / Prescriber's Letter 2007;23(10):231005.
- Bolland MJ, Barber PA, Doughty RN, et al. Vascular events in healthy older women receiving calcium supplementation: randomised control trial. BMJ 2008;336:262-6.
- Bolland MJ, Avenell A, Baron JA, et al. Effect of calcium supplements on risk of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular events: meta-analysis. BMJ 2010;341:c3691. PubMed
- Calcium supplementation and vascular events. Pharmacist's Letter / Prescriber's Letter 2008;24(3):240306.
- Dietary reference intakes for calcium and vitamin D. Institute of Medicine, November 30, 2010. Available at: http://www.iom.edu/~/media/Files/Report%20Files/2010/Dietary-Reference-Intakes-for-Calcium-and-Vitamin-D/Vitamin%20D%20and%20Calcium%202010%20Repo
- Coburn JW, Mischel MG, Goodman WG, et al. Calcium citrate markedly enhances aluminum absorption from aluminum hydroxide. Am J Kidney Dis. 1991;17(6):708-11. PubMed
- Bradley JS, Wassel RT, Lee L, et al. Intravenous ceftriaxone and calcium in the neonate: assessing the risk for cardiopulmonary adverse events. Pediatrics. 2009;123(4):e609-13. PubMed
- Kays MB, Overholser BR, Mueller BA, et al. Effects of sevelamer hydrochloride and calcium acetate on the oral bioavailability of ciprofloxacin. Am J Kidney Dis. 2003;42(6):1253-9. PubMed
- Neuhofel, A. L., Wilton, J. H., Victory, J. M., Hejmanowsk, L. G., and Amsden, G. W. Lack of bioequivalence of ciprofloxacin when administered with calcium-fortified orange juice: a new twist on an old interaction. J Clin Pharmacol. 2002;42(4):461-466. DOI
- Dickinson, H. O., Nicolson, D. J., Cook, J. V., Campbell, F., Beyer, F. R., Ford, G. A., and Mason, J. Calcium supplementation for the management of primary hypertension in adults. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev. 2006;(2):CD004639. PubMed
- Jones, B. J. and Twomey, P. J. Requesting patterns for serum calcium concentration in patients on long-term lithium therapy. Int J Clin Pract. 2009;63(1):170-172. PubMed
- Levine, M., Nikkanen, H., and Pallin, D. J. The effects of intravenous calcium in patients with digoxin toxicity. J Emerg.Med. 2011;40(1):41-46. PubMed
- Castelo-Branco, C., Ciria-Recasens, M., Cancelo-Hidalgo, M. J., Palacios, S., Haya-Palazuelos, J., Carbonell-Abello, J., Blanch-Rubio, J., Martinez-Zapata, M. J., Manasanch, J., and Perez-Edo, L. Efficacy of ossein-hydroxyapatite complex compared with ca
- Li K, Kaaks R, Linseisen J, Rohrmann S. Associations of dietary calcium intake and calcium supplementation with myocardial infarction and stroke risk and overall cardiovascular mortality in the Heidelberg cohort of the European Prospective Investigation i
- Chung M, Tang AM, Fu Z. Calcium Intake and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Ann Intern Med. 2016 Oct 25. PubMed
- Nolan CR, Califano JR, Butzin CA. Influence of calcium acetate or calcium citrate on intestinal aluminum absorption. Kidney Int. 1990;38(5):937-41. PubMed
- Lewis JR, Radavelli-Bagatini S, Rejnmark L, et al. The effects of calcium supplementation on verified coronary heart disease hospitalization and death in postmenopausal women: a collaborative meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Bone Miner Res PubMed
- Jalloh MA, Gregory PJ, Hein D, et al. Dietary supplement interactions with antiretrovirals: a systematic review. Int J STD AIDS. 2017 Jan;28(1):4-15. PubMed
- Lappe J, Watson P, Travers-Gustafson D, Recker R, Garland C, Gorham E, Baggerly K, McDonnell SL. Effect of Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation on Cancer Incidence in Older Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2017 Mar 28;317(12):1234-1243. PubMed
- Grove ML, Cook D. Calcium and heart attacks. Doesn't apply to most calcium prescriptions. BMJ. 2010;341:c5003. PubMed
- Insentress [package insert]. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.; 2014.
- Roberts JL, Kiser JJ, Hindman JT, Meditz AL. Virologic failure with a raltegravir-containing antiretroviral regimen and concomitant calcium administration. Pharmacotherapy 2011;31(10):298e-302e. DOI
- Vitekta [package insert]. Foster City, CA: Gilead Sciences, Inc.; 2014.
- Storan ER, O'Gorman SM, Murphy A, Laing M. Case Report of Calciphylaxis Secondary to Calcium and Vitamin D<sub>3</sub> Supplementation. J Cutan Med Surg. 2017;21(2):162-163. DOI
- Jenkins DJA, Spence JD, Giovannucci EL, et al. Supplemental vitamins and minerals for CVD prevention and treatment. J Am Coll Cardiol 2018;71(22):2570-84. PubMed
- Borkenhagen JF, Connor EL, Stafstrom CE. Neonatal hypocalcemic seizures due to excessive maternal calcium ingestion. Pediatr Neurol 2013;48(6):469-71. PubMed
- WHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2016 (http://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/publications/maternal_perinatal_health/ anc-positive-pregnancy-experience/en/).
- Aune D, Navarro Rosenblatt DA, Chan DS, et al. Dairy products, calcium, and prostate cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. Am J Clin Nutr. 2015;101(1):87-117. PubMed
- Lan T, Park Y, Colditz GA, et al. Adolescent dairy product and calcium intake in relation to later prostate cancer risk and mortality in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study. Cancer Causes Control. 2020;31(10):891-904. PubMed
- Zhang Y, Li Y, Liu J, et al. Association of Vitamin D or Calcium Supplementation with Cardiovascular Outcomes and Mortality: A Meta-Analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis. J Nutr Health Aging 2021;25(2):263-270. PubMed
- Myung SK, Kim HB, Lee YJ, Choi YJ, Oh SW. Calcium Supplements and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials. Nutrients 2021;13(2):368. PubMed
- Hetaimish B. Neonatal Calcinosis Cutis After Treatment of Hypocalcemia with Calcium Gluconate: A Report of 2 Cases. Am J Case Rep 2024;25:e943397. PubMed
- US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Biktarvy Prescribing Information. October 2024. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2024/210251Orig1s020lbl.pdf. Accessed July 16, 2025.
Betaine Hydrochloride 2 references
- Yago MR, Frymoyer A, Benet LZ, Smelick GS, Frassetto LA, Ding X, Dean B, Salphati L, Budha N, Jin JY, Dresser MJ, Ware JA. The use of betaine HCl to enhance dasatinib absorption in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria. AAPS J. 2014 PubMed
- Yago MR, Frymoyer AR, Smelick GS, Frassetto LA, Budha NR, Dresser MJ, Ware JA, Benet LZ. Gastric reacidification with betaine HCl in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria. Mol Pharm. 2013 Nov 4;10(11):4032-7. PubMed
See these in context on the Betaine Hydrochloride monograph →
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC