Calcium Citrate Ingredients & Drug Interactions
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Calcium Citrate 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 Citrate is a dietary supplement by Puritan's Pride with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for bone health and osteoporosis prevention, dietary calcium deficiency, heartburn relief (calcium carbonate antacids).Based on those ingredients, 168 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Calcium. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Calcium Citrate by Puritan's Pride
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Calcium Citrate by Puritan's Pride
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
Puritan's Pride Calcium Citrate contains one active ingredient: calcium, a mineral essential for bone health, nerve function, and muscle contraction. The product also contains inactive ingredients—stearic acid, vegetable cellulose, and silica—which serve as binders and fillers to hold the tablet together.
Does it work?
Strong evidence
Calcium citrate is effective for preventing and treating low blood calcium (hypocalcemia), managing kidney failure, and relieving indigestion (dyspepsia). It is likely effective for osteoporosis prevention and treatment.
The evidence supports its use for these bone and mineral conditions when taken at appropriate doses.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Calcium is generally well tolerated at recommended doses. The most common side effects are mild: belching, constipation, diarrhea, gas, and stomach upset.
Very high doses—particularly over 2000 mg daily from all sources—raise concerns about kidney stones and, based on some research, a possible increased risk of prostate cancer and cardiovascular events, though the evidence remains mixed and debated. During pregnancy, adequate calcium is important; stay within recommended amounts unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Calcium needs can be met during breastfeeding at recommended amounts; check with your provider if you have questions.
Meds to double-check
Major interaction found
Before taking this calcium supplement, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any intravenous antibiotics (especially ceftriaxone), HIV integrase inhibitors (dolutegravir, elvitegravir, raltegravir), levothyroxine (thyroid medication), sotalol (a beta-blocker), diltiazem (a heart medication), or topical calcipotriene for psoriasis. Several of these require timing your calcium dose carefully to avoid reducing the drug's effectiveness or raising blood calcium to unsafe levels.
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 citrate is effective for bone health and low blood calcium, and it's well tolerated at normal doses. If you take any prescription medications—especially HIV drugs, antibiotics, thyroid medication, or heart drugs—check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this supplement; several important interactions require careful timing.
Talk it over with your own healthcare provider to make sure it's right for you.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 26, 2020.
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 Citrate, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Puritan's Pride |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 074312175138 |
| Net contents | 200 Coated Caplet(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Dec 26, 2020 |
| DSLD ID | 239271 |
| Product type | Mineral |
| Supplement form | Other (e.g. Tea Bag) |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, 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 Calcium Citrate by Puritan's Pride, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium | 1000 mg | 77% |
Other ingredients: Stearic Acid, Vegetable Cellulose, Silica
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.
Formulation
Bone Active Bone Density Supplement
Vegetarian Dietary Supplement
No artificial color, flavor or sweetener, no preservatives, no sugar, no starch, no milk, no lactose, no soy, no gluten, no wheat, no yeast, no fish. Sodium free.
Puritan’s Pride supplements are produced from the finest raw materials under our stringent quality control standards. Our state-of-the-art manufacturing and packaging facilities ensure you the highest quality nutritional supplements money can buy. When it comes to your health...choose the best.
FDA Statement of Identity
Vegetarian Dietary Supplement
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Directions: For adults, take five (5) caplets daily, preferably with a meal.
Precautions
Warning: If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or have any medical condition, consult your doctor before use.
Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.
Keep out of reach of children.
Do not use if seal under cap is broken or missing.
Storage
Store at room temperature.
FDA Disclaimer Statement
This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. T his product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Brand IP Statement(s)
2017 Puritan’s Pride, Inc.
Seals/Symbols
QA Quality Assurance
General Statements
To reorder item # 7513 www.puritan.com 1-800-645-1030
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Calcium Citrate by Puritan's Pride 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 Citrate by Puritan's Pride
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size5 Caplet(s) Dosage formOther (e.g. Tea Bag) Servings per container40 Amounts shown are per serving.
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 & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Stearic Acid, Vegetable Cellulose, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Calcium Citrate by Puritan's Pride Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Puritan's Pride Calcium Citrate interacts with a number of medications, most notably HIV integrase inhibitors and some antibiotics.
The most serious concern is with ceftriaxone (Rocephin), an intravenous antibiotic—calcium given intravenously can form a dangerous salt that deposits in the lungs and kidneys, so intravenous calcium must be avoided within 48 hours of intravenous ceftriaxone.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Calcium also significantly reduces blood levels of two HIV drugs: dolutegravir (Tivicay) and elvitegravir (Vitekta). If you take either, separate your calcium dose by at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after the medication.
Raltegravir (Isentress), another HIV integrase inhibitor, may also have modestly lower levels when combined with calcium, though a dose change is usually not needed. Additionally, calcium can reduce how well levothyroxine (Synthroid) and sotalol (Betapace) are absorbed—take levothyroxine at least 4 hours apart from calcium, and sotalol at least 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after.
Calcium may theoretically reduce the effectiveness of diltiazem (Cardizem), a heart medication, and combining it with calcipotriene (Dovonex), a topical psoriasis treatment, could raise calcium levels too high in your bloodstream.
Altogether, these interactions span 168 individual medications. Use the medication checker on this page to look up your specific prescriptions before you start.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Calcium Citrate?
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 Citrate interact with 168 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Calcium Citrate interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Calcium
CeftriaxoneRocephin
How Ceftriaxone interacts with Calcium Citrate — 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 Citrate — 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 Citrate — 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 Citrate — 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 Citrate — 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 Citrate — 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 Citrate — 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 interactionAlendronateBinosto, Fosamax
How Alendronate interacts with Calcium Citrate — 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 Citrate — 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 Citrate — 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 Citrate — 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 interactionAluminum Acetate, Benzethonium ChlorideBuro-Sol Otic Solution
How Aluminum Acetate, Benzethonium Chloride interacts with Calcium Citrate — 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 Citrate — 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 Citrate — 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 Citrate — 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 Citrate — 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 Citrate — 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 Citrate — 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 Citrate — 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 Citrate — 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 Citrate — 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) interactionAmiloride, HydrochlorothiazideAmil-Co, Amilzide, Moduret 25, Moduretic
How Amiloride, Hydrochlorothiazide interacts with Calcium Citrate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium + Amiloride, Hydrochlorothiazide interactionAmphotericin, TetracyclineMysteclin-F
How Amphotericin, Tetracycline interacts with Calcium Citrate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumTetracycline Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
Read the full Calcium + Amphotericin, Tetracycline interactionAspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #3
How Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Calcium Citrate — 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 + Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAtenolol, ChlortalidoneAtenixCo, Tenoret 50, Totaretic
How Atenolol, Chlortalidone interacts with Calcium Citrate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium + Atenolol, Chlortalidone interactionAtenolol, ChlorthalidoneTenoretic
How Atenolol, Chlorthalidone interacts with Calcium Citrate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium + Atenolol, Chlorthalidone interactionAzilsartan, ChlorthalidoneEdarbyclor
How Azilsartan, Chlorthalidone interacts with Calcium Citrate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium + Azilsartan, Chlorthalidone interactionBenazepril, HydrochlorothiazideLotensin HCT
How Benazepril, Hydrochlorothiazide interacts with Calcium Citrate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium + Benazepril, Hydrochlorothiazide interactionBendroflumethiazideAprinox, Naturetin, Neo-NaClex
How Bendroflumethiazide interacts with Calcium Citrate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium + Bendroflumethiazide interactionBendroflumethiazide, NadololCorzide
How Bendroflumethiazide, Nadolol interacts with Calcium Citrate — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium + Bendroflumethiazide, Nadolol interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Calcium Citrate with known interactions, here are the types of medications it 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.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Calcium Citrate, from the product label.
Puritan's Pride
See all Puritan's Pride products- Name
- Puritan's Pride, Inc.
- City
- Ronkonkoma
- State
- NY
- ZipCode
- 11779
- Phone Number
- 1-800-645-1030
- Web Address
- www.puritan.com
Calcium Citrate by Puritan's Pride: Common Questions
Does Calcium Citrate by Puritan's Pride interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Will calcium help my bones?
Can I take calcium if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
What are the most common side effects?
Is it safe to take high doses of calcium?
Can I take this with my thyroid medication?
What if I have kidney disease?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Calcium Citrate 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 Calcium Citrate’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Calcium Citrate'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 62 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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- 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
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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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