Calcium Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by MegaFood
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Calcium 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
Calcium is a dietary supplement by MegaFood with 2 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, 275 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Calcium, organic Nettle. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Calcium by MegaFood
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Calcium by MegaFood — 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
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Calcium by MegaFood
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
MegaFood Calcium contains 2 active ingredients: calcium itself, the mineral your bones and teeth rely on, and organic nettle (stinging nettle), a plant traditionally used in herbal medicine. The product also contains inactive ingredients—stearic acid, silica, and cellulose—which are fillers and binders that hold the tablet together.
Does it work?
Strong evidence
Calcium is effective for preventing and treating kidney-related bone disease, indigestion (dyspepsia), low blood calcium (hypocalcemia), and high potassium levels (hyperkalemia). It's also likely effective for osteoporosis.
Stinging nettle, on the other hand, is possibly effective for diabetes but the evidence isn't established for hay fever, anemia, asthma, benign enlarged prostate, or gum disease—we just don't have enough reliable data on those uses yet.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Calcium is generally well tolerated when you stick to recommended doses, though high doses can cause problems. The most common side effects are belching, constipation, diarrhea, gas, and stomach upset.
Rarely, very high doses have been linked to kidney stones and calciphylaxis. There's also some concern that calcium over 1500–2000 mg per day might increase prostate cancer risk and possibly heart disease risk, though this research is debated.
Stinging nettle is generally well tolerated in adults but the safety data is limited and quality varies by product. Common side effects are constipation and diarrhea.
Rare cases of liver damage have been reported. Stinging nettle should be avoided in pregnancy because of traditional concerns about effects on the uterus, and safety during breastfeeding hasn't been established, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using it if you're pregnant or nursing.
Meds to double-check
Major interaction found
Before you take this product, check whether you're on dolutegravir, elvitegravir, or ceftriaxone—those are Major interactions. Then verify raltegravir, levothyroxine, sotalol, calcipotriene, diltiazem, antidiabetes drugs, diuretics, lithium, or warfarin.
If you take any of these, we can help you time the doses safely.
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.
Calcium is a solid choice if you need to boost bone health, treat low blood calcium, or manage kidney-related bone disease—just watch out for the medication interactions, especially with HIV drugs and thyroid medication. Stinging nettle adds some additional drug interactions you'll want to check.
Talk to your pharmacist about your full medication list before starting.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 24, 2018.
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 Calcium, straight from the product label.
| Brand | MegaFood |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 051494101858 |
| Net contents | 60 Tablet(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | May 24, 2018 |
| DSLD ID | 177234 |
| Product type | Botanical With Nutrients |
| Supplement form | Tablet Or Pill |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Gluten Free, Dairy 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 Calcium by MegaFood, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium | 50 mg | 4% |
| organic Nettle | 50 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Stearic Acid, Silica, Cellulose
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.
Seals/Symbols
Non GMO project Verified Nongmoproject.org
NSF Certified Gluten-free
V Certified vegan vegan.org
Tested free pesticides & herbicides
Soy free
Dairy Free
Farm fresh
OK
Formulation
Non GMO project Verified Nongmoproject.org
NSF Certified Gluten-free
V Certified vegan vegan.org
Tested free pesticides & herbicides
Soy free
Dairy Free
Formula
OK
This MegaFood product includes carefully selected herbs and added nutrients. Each mineral is paired with wholesome nutritional yeast using a unique process to deliver guaranteed potency and the benefit of health-promoting compounds present in the whole food itself.
Brand IP Statement(s)
Fresh from farm to tablet
General Statements
Helps maintain bone & teeth health
60 servings
See how they're made at megafood.com/showme. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back.
Please recycle
FDA Statement of Identity
Mineral Dietary Supplement
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested Use: 1 tablet daily. May be taken anytime throughout the day, even on an empty stomach.
FDA Disclaimer Statement
This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
General
F1241B Rev: 27 05/17
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Calcium by MegaFood 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 Calcium by MegaFood
These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container60 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.
Calcium
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 monograph & interactionsOrganic Nettle
Interacts with164 drugs
Stinging nettle is a common plant used as food and in traditional medicine, most often for prostate symptoms, allergies, and joint pain. The evidence...
Organic Nettle monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Stearic Acid, Silica, Cellulose. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Calcium by MegaFood Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
MegaFood Calcium does interact with several medications, so it's important to check your prescriptions before you start.
The most serious concerns involve HIV integrase inhibitors—dolutegravir (Tivicay) and elvitegravir (Vitekta)—where calcium can cut their blood levels by up to 40%. If you take either one, separate them from your calcium by at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after (2 hours after for elvitegravir).
The antibiotic ceftriaxone (Rocephin) also poses a Major risk: intravenous calcium given within 48 hours of IV ceftriaxone can cause dangerous crystal formation in the lungs and kidneys—avoid this combination entirely.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Calcium also interacts moderately with several other drug types. Raltegravir (Isentress, another HIV drug) may have reduced effectiveness, though usually not enough to require a dose change.
Levothyroxine (Synthroid), a thyroid hormone, loses absorption when taken with calcium—space them 4 hours apart. The heart drug sotalol (Betapace) and the calcium-regulating medication calcipotriene (Dovonex) are both reduced by calcium as well.
Additionally, the blood pressure medication diltiazem (Cardizem) may lose effectiveness theoretically due to high calcium levels. Stinging nettle, the second ingredient, adds moderate interactions with antidiabetes drugs, diuretics, lithium, and warfarin (Coumadin).
Altogether, these interactions span 275 individual medications. Use the medication checker on this page to verify your exact prescriptions before adding this product.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Calcium?
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 Calcium interact with 275 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
2 of the 2 ingredients in Calcium interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Calcium organic Nettle
CeftriaxoneRocephin
How Ceftriaxone interacts with Calcium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumCeftriaxone (rocephin) Major
Interaction Summary
Co-administration of intravenous calcium and ceftriaxone can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys.
Read the full Calcium + Ceftriaxone interactionCobicistat, Elvitegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide FumarateGenvoya
How Cobicistat, Elvitegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate interacts with Calcium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumElvitegravir (vitekta), Bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir Alafenamide (biktarvy) Major
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce levels of elvitegravir.
Read the full Calcium + Cobicistat, Elvitegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate interactionDolutegravirTivicay
How Dolutegravir interacts with Calcium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumDolutegravir (tivicay) Major
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce levels of dolutegravir.
Read the full Calcium + Dolutegravir interactionDolutegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir AlafenamideDolutegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide
How Dolutegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide interacts with Calcium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumDolutegravir (tivicay), Bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir Alafenamide (biktarvy) Major
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce levels of dolutegravir.
Read the full Calcium + Dolutegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide interactionDolutegravir, RilpivirineJuluca
How Dolutegravir, Rilpivirine interacts with Calcium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumDolutegravir (tivicay) Major
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce levels of dolutegravir.
Read the full Calcium + Dolutegravir, Rilpivirine interactionElvitegravirVitekta
How Elvitegravir interacts with Calcium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumElvitegravir (vitekta) Major
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce levels of elvitegravir.
Read the full Calcium + Elvitegravir interactionElvitegravir, Cobicistat, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Disoproxil FumarateStribild
How Elvitegravir, Cobicistat, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate interacts with Calcium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumElvitegravir (vitekta), Bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir Alafenamide (biktarvy) Major
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce levels of elvitegravir.
Read the full Calcium + Elvitegravir, Cobicistat, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate interactionAcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose
How Acarbose interacts with Calcium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic NettleAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, stinging nettle might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Organic Nettle + Acarbose interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interacts with Calcium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic NettleDiuretic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining stinging nettle with diuretic drugs may have additive effects.
Read the full Organic Nettle + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interactionAcetaminophen, Pamabrom, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength PMS, Pamprin, Pamprin ES
How Acetaminophen, Pamabrom, Pyrilamine interacts with Calcium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic NettleDiuretic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining stinging nettle with diuretic drugs may have additive effects.
Read the full Organic Nettle + Acetaminophen, Pamabrom, Pyrilamine interactionAcetazolamideAk-Zol, Diamox
How Acetazolamide interacts with Calcium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic NettleDiuretic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining stinging nettle with diuretic drugs may have additive effects.
Read the full Organic Nettle + Acetazolamide interactionAcetohexamideDymelor
How Acetohexamide interacts with Calcium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic NettleAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, stinging nettle might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Organic Nettle + Acetohexamide interactionAlbiglutideTanzeum
How Albiglutide interacts with Calcium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic NettleAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, stinging nettle might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Organic Nettle + Albiglutide interactionAlendronateBinosto, Fosamax
How Alendronate interacts with Calcium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumBisphosphonates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Read the full Calcium + Alendronate interactionAlendronate Sodium
How Alendronate Sodium interacts with Calcium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumBisphosphonates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Read the full Calcium + Alendronate Sodium interactionAlendronate Sodium, CholecalciferolFosamax Plus D
How Alendronate Sodium, Cholecalciferol interacts with Calcium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumBisphosphonates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Read the full Calcium + Alendronate Sodium, Cholecalciferol interactionAlginic Acid, Aluminum HydroxideRafton
How Alginic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide interacts with Calcium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity.
Read the full Calcium + Alginic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide interactionAlogliptinNesina
How Alogliptin interacts with Calcium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic NettleAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, stinging nettle might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Organic Nettle + Alogliptin interactionAlogliptin, MetforminKazano
How Alogliptin, Metformin interacts with Calcium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic NettleAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, stinging nettle might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Organic Nettle + Alogliptin, Metformin interactionAlogliptin, PioglitazoneOseni
How Alogliptin, Pioglitazone interacts with Calcium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic NettleAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, stinging nettle might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Organic Nettle + Alogliptin, Pioglitazone interactionAluminum Acetate, Benzethonium ChlorideBuro-Sol Otic Solution
How Aluminum Acetate, Benzethonium Chloride interacts with Calcium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity.
Read the full Calcium + Aluminum Acetate, Benzethonium Chloride interactionAluminum ChlorideAluminum Chloride, Anhydrol Forte, Driclor, Drysol
How Aluminum Chloride interacts with Calcium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity.
Read the full Calcium + Aluminum Chloride interactionAluminum HydroxideAlu-Cap, Amphojel, Gaviscon
How Aluminum Hydroxide interacts with Calcium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity.
Read the full Calcium + Aluminum Hydroxide interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Calcium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity.
Read the full Calcium + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Calcium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity.
Read the full Calcium + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug)Maalox, Mucogel
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) interacts with Calcium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity.
Read the full Calcium + Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone (otc Drug)Mylanta
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone (otc Drug) interacts with Calcium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity.
Read the full Calcium + Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone (otc Drug) interactionAluminum, CalciumDomeboro
How Aluminum, Calcium interacts with Calcium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity.
Read the full Calcium + Aluminum, Calcium interactionAluminum, Magnesium (otc Drug)Almagel
How Aluminum, Magnesium (otc Drug) interacts with Calcium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity.
Read the full Calcium + Aluminum, Magnesium (otc Drug) interactionAluminum, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug)Wingel
How Aluminum, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) interacts with Calcium — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity.
Read the full Calcium + Aluminum, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Calcium 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
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.
organic Nettle
Antidiabetes Drugs
Theoretically, stinging nettle might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.
Clinical research shows that stinging nettle might decrease blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes.
Diuretic Drugs
Theoretically, combining stinging nettle with diuretic drugs may have additive effects.
Animal research suggests that the above ground parts and roots of stinging nettle may have a diuretic effect.
Lithium
Theoretically, stinging nettle might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.
Animal research suggests that stinging nettle has diuretic and natriuretic properties, which could alter the excretion of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
There is some concern that stinging nettle might decrease the effects of anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin.
Stinging nettle contains a significant amount of vitamin K. When taken in large quantities, this might interfere with the activity of warfarin.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Calcium, from the product label.
MegaFood
See all MegaFood products- Name
- MegaFood
- Street Address
- PO Box 5244
- City
- Manchester
- State
- NH
- ZipCode
- 03108
- Phone Number
- 800.848.2542
- Web Address
- megafood.com
Calcium by MegaFood: Common Questions
Does Calcium by MegaFood interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Is this safe to take during pregnancy?
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
What's stinging nettle doing in a calcium supplement?
Will this upset my stomach?
Does the calcium content matter for bone health?
Are there any fillers in this?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
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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 Calcium’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 monographStinging Nettle
Interacts with 164 drugsStinging nettle is a common plant used as food and in traditional medicine, most often for prostate symptoms, allergies, and joint pain. The evidence is mixed and mostly preliminary, so it i...
Read the full Stinging Nettle monograph →Sources & How We Checked
Calcium'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 85 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
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Stinging Nettle 23 references
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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.
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