HMB Ingredients & Drug Interactions
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking HMB 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
HMB is a dietary supplement by Core Nutritionals 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, 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 HMB by Core Nutritionals
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with HMB by Core Nutritionals — 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 HMB by Core Nutritionals
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
HMB by Core Nutritionals contains 2 active ingredients: calcium and calcium beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate monohydrate (the HMB compound itself). The calcium provides mineral supplementation, while HMB is a metabolite derived from the amino acid leucine that's used to support muscle and lean body mass.
There are no inactive fillers or other ingredients listed in this formula.
Does it work?
Insufficient evidence
Calcium in this product is effective for preventing kidney failure, improving digestion (dyspepsia), treating low blood calcium (hypocalcemia), and managing high potassium (hyperkalemia). It's also likely effective for preventing and treating osteoporosis.
The data we hold on HMB itself doesn't include effectiveness ratings, so we can't speak to what that ingredient's evidence shows.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Calcium is generally well tolerated when taken at recommended doses, though high amounts can cause problems. The most common side effects from oral calcium are belching, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and stomach upset.
Rare serious concerns include kidney stones and a condition called calciphylaxis. There's some concern that very high doses — over 1,500 to 2,000 mg daily from all sources — may be linked to increased prostate cancer risk and possibly cardiovascular issues, though this research is debated.
Adequate calcium is important in pregnancy and is safe when you stay within recommended amounts; the data supports this as likely safe. For breastfeeding, calcium needs can be met during lactation with recommended doses, and the data notes this is safe — check with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance.
Meds to double-check
Major interaction found
Before you start this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take dolutegravir or elvitegravir (HIV medications), or ceftriaxone (an antibiotic) — calcium can significantly reduce how well these work. Also double-check if you're on levothyroxine (thyroid), sotalol (heart rhythm), raltegravir (another HIV drug), diltiazem (heart/blood pressure), or calcipotriene (psoriasis topical) — you may need to time doses separately or adjust.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with insufficient evidence for its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
HMB by Core Nutritionals is a two-ingredient calcium and HMB supplement most useful if you need additional calcium for bone health, low blood calcium, or digestive support. If you take any HIV medications (especially integrase inhibitors), heart or blood pressure drugs, levothyroxine for thyroid, antibiotics like ceftriaxone, or psoriasis topicals, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this — the timing and interactions matter.
High doses carry some long-term safety questions, so stick to recommended amounts unless your provider advises otherwise.
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, 2017.
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 HMB, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Core Nutritionals |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 850757001443 |
| Net contents | 3.17 Ounce(s); 90 Gram(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | May 24, 2017 |
| DSLD ID | 74263 |
| Product type | Non-nutrient/non-botanical |
| Supplement form | Powder |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years) |
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 HMB by Core Nutritionals, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium | 130 mg | 13% |
| Calcium Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate Monohydrate | 1000 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.
Precautions
Warning: Not intended for use by pregnant women or nursing women or persons under the age of 18. If you are taking any medications or have any medical condition, consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.
Warning: Not intended for use by pregnant women or persons under the age of 18.
Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur. Discontinue use 2 weeks prior to surgery. Do not exceed recommended serving. Do not use if safety seal is broken or missing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place.
FDA Disclaimer Statement
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Brand IP Statement(s)
HMB Nutritional uses of Calcium B-Hydroxy B- Methylbutyrate Monohydrate are licensed to Core Nutritionals, LLC under U.S. Patent # 6,103,764. Use of the trademark is licensed from Metabolic Technologies.
General Statements
Resist. Remake. Power
Manufactured in a U.S. cGMP Facility.
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
HMB by Core Nutritionals 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 HMB by Core Nutritionals
These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Scoop(s) Dosage formPowder Servings per container90 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 & interactionsCalcium Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate Monohydrate
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 Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate Monohydrate monograph & interactionsHMB by Core Nutritionals Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
HMB by Core Nutritionals contains calcium, which interacts with several medications.
The most serious interactions are with HIV integrase inhibitors — specifically dolutegravir and elvitegravir — where calcium can reduce blood levels of these drugs by a significant amount, potentially lowering their effectiveness. Calcium also poses a Major risk with ceftriaxone (an antibiotic), particularly if given intravenously, because the two can form a damaging salt that can accumulate in the lungs and kidneys.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Moderate interactions affect several other drug types. Calcium reduces how well your body absorbs levothyroxine (a thyroid hormone) and sotalol (a heart rhythm medication), so these need to be timed several hours apart from calcium.
It may also lower levels of raltegravir (another HIV medication) and could theoretically reduce how well diltiazem (a calcium channel blocker for heart rate and blood pressure) works. There's also a theoretical risk that taking calcium with calcipotriene (a vitamin D topical for psoriasis) might raise calcium levels too high in your blood.
Altogether, these interactions span 168 individual medications. Check your exact prescriptions with the tool on this page before starting this product.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against HMB?
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 HMB interact with 168 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 2 ingredients in HMB interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Calcium
DoxycyclineDoryx, Doxy, Doxy-D, Doxycin, Doxycycline Injection, Doxylin +6 more
How Doxycycline interacts with HMB — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate MonohydrateTetracycline Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
Read the full Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate Monohydrate + Doxycycline interactionDoxycycline HyclateActiclate, Acticlate Cap, Lymepak
How Doxycycline Hyclate interacts with HMB — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate MonohydrateTetracycline Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
Read the full Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate Monohydrate + Doxycycline Hyclate interactionDoxycycline MonohydrateErfacea
How Doxycycline Monohydrate interacts with HMB — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate MonohydrateTetracycline Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
Read the full Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate Monohydrate + Doxycycline Monohydrate interactionDoxycylineDoxychel
How Doxycyline interacts with HMB — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate MonohydrateTetracycline Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
Read the full Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate Monohydrate + Doxycyline interactionEmtricitabineEmtriva
How Emtricitabine interacts with HMB — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate MonohydrateBictegravir/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 Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate Monohydrate + Emtricitabine interactionEmtricitabine, Rilpivirine, TenofovirComplera
How Emtricitabine, Rilpivirine, Tenofovir interacts with HMB — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate MonohydrateBictegravir/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 Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate Monohydrate + Emtricitabine, Rilpivirine, Tenofovir interactionEmtricitabine, Rilpivirine, Tenofovir AlafenamideOdefsey
How Emtricitabine, Rilpivirine, Tenofovir Alafenamide interacts with HMB — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate MonohydrateBictegravir/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 Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate Monohydrate + Emtricitabine, Rilpivirine, Tenofovir Alafenamide interactionEmtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide FumarateDescovy
How Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate interacts with HMB — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate MonohydrateBictegravir/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 Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate Monohydrate + Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate interactionEnalapril Maleate, HydrochlorothiazideVaseretic
How Enalapril Maleate, Hydrochlorothiazide interacts with HMB — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate MonohydrateThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate Monohydrate + Enalapril Maleate, Hydrochlorothiazide interactionEnoxacinPenetrex
How Enoxacin interacts with HMB — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate MonohydrateQuinolone Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics.
Read the full Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate Monohydrate + Enoxacin interactionEravacyclineXerava
How Eravacycline interacts with HMB — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate MonohydrateTetracycline Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
Read the full Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate Monohydrate + Eravacycline interactionEtidronate DisodiumDidrocal, Didronel
How Etidronate Disodium interacts with HMB — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate MonohydrateBisphosphonates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Read the full Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate Monohydrate + Etidronate Disodium interactionFinafloxacinXtoro
How Finafloxacin interacts with HMB — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate MonohydrateQuinolone Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics.
Read the full Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate Monohydrate + Finafloxacin interactionFish Oil TriglyceridesOmegaven
How Fish Oil Triglycerides interacts with HMB — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate MonohydrateAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity.
Read the full Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate Monohydrate + Fish Oil Triglycerides interactionFosinopril, HydrochlorothiazideMonopril HCT
How Fosinopril, Hydrochlorothiazide interacts with HMB — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate MonohydrateThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate Monohydrate + Fosinopril, Hydrochlorothiazide interactionGatifloxacinTequin, Tequin Injection
How Gatifloxacin interacts with HMB — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate MonohydrateQuinolone Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics.
Read the full Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate Monohydrate + Gatifloxacin interactionGemifloxacinFactive
How Gemifloxacin interacts with HMB — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate MonohydrateQuinolone Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics.
Read the full Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate Monohydrate + Gemifloxacin interactionGrepafloxacinRaxar
How Grepafloxacin interacts with HMB — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate MonohydrateQuinolone Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics.
Read the full Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate Monohydrate + Grepafloxacin interactionGuanethidine, HydrochlorothiazideEsimil
How Guanethidine, Hydrochlorothiazide interacts with HMB — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate MonohydrateThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate Monohydrate + Guanethidine, Hydrochlorothiazide interactionHydralazine, HydrochlorothiazideApresazide, Apresoline-Esidrix
How Hydralazine, Hydrochlorothiazide interacts with HMB — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate MonohydrateThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate Monohydrate + Hydralazine, Hydrochlorothiazide interactionHydralazine, Hydrochlorothiazide, ReserpineSer-Ap-Es, Unipres, Uniserp
How Hydralazine, Hydrochlorothiazide, Reserpine interacts with HMB — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate MonohydrateThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate Monohydrate + Hydralazine, Hydrochlorothiazide, Reserpine interactionHydrochlorothiazideAquazide, Aquazide H, Esidrix, HCTZ, Hydro, Hydro-D +3 more
How Hydrochlorothiazide interacts with HMB — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate MonohydrateThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate Monohydrate + Hydrochlorothiazide interactionHydrochlorothiazide, IrbesartanAvalide
How Hydrochlorothiazide, Irbesartan interacts with HMB — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate MonohydrateThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate Monohydrate + Hydrochlorothiazide, Irbesartan interactionHydrochlorothiazide, LabetalolTrandate HCT
How Hydrochlorothiazide, Labetalol interacts with HMB — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate MonohydrateThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate Monohydrate + Hydrochlorothiazide, Labetalol interactionHydrochlorothiazide, LisinoprilPrinzide, Zestoretic
How Hydrochlorothiazide, Lisinopril interacts with HMB — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate MonohydrateThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate Monohydrate + Hydrochlorothiazide, Lisinopril interactionHydrochlorothiazide, Losartan PotassiumHyzaar
How Hydrochlorothiazide, Losartan Potassium interacts with HMB — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate MonohydrateThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate Monohydrate + Hydrochlorothiazide, Losartan Potassium interactionHydrochlorothiazide, MethyldopaAldoril 15, Aldoril 25, Aldoril D30, Methazide
How Hydrochlorothiazide, Methyldopa interacts with HMB — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate MonohydrateThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate Monohydrate + Hydrochlorothiazide, Methyldopa interactionHydrochlorothiazide, MetoprololLopressor HCT
How Hydrochlorothiazide, Metoprolol interacts with HMB — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate MonohydrateThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate Monohydrate + Hydrochlorothiazide, Metoprolol interactionHydrochlorothiazide, MoexiprilUniretic
How Hydrochlorothiazide, Moexipril interacts with HMB — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate MonohydrateThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate Monohydrate + Hydrochlorothiazide, Moexipril interactionHydrochlorothiazide, PindololViskazide
How Hydrochlorothiazide, Pindolol interacts with HMB — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate MonohydrateThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate Monohydrate + Hydrochlorothiazide, Pindolol interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in HMB 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 HMB, from the product label.
Core Nutritionals
See all Core Nutritionals products- Name
- Core Nutritionals, LLC
- City
- Arlington
- State
- Virginia
- ZipCode
- 22203
- Phone Number
- (888) 978-2332
- Web Address
- www.CoreNutritionals.com
HMB by Core Nutritionals: Common Questions
Does HMB by Core Nutritionals interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
What are the most common side effects I might feel?
Can I take this while I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
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What's the difference between calcium and the HMB ingredient listed?
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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 HMB’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
HMB'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
- Shils M, Olson A, Shike M. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lea and Febiger, 1994.
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- 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.
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