User:Mr. Ibrahem/Calcium supplement
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Calcium supplements are salts of calcium used in a number of conditions.[1] Supplementation is generally only required when there is not enough calcium in the diet.[2][3] By mouth they are used to treat and prevent low blood calcium, osteoporosis, and rickets.[1] By injection into a vein they are used for low blood calcium that is resulting in muscle spasms and for high blood potassium or magnesium toxicity.[2][4]
Clinical data | |
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Trade names | Alka-Mints, Calcet, Tums, others |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
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Routes of administration | by mouth, intravenous |
Common side effects include constipation and nausea.[1] When taken by mouth high blood calcium is uncommon.[1] Calcium supplements, unlike calcium from dietary sources, appear to increase the risk of kidney stones.[1] Adults generally require about a gram of calcium a day.[1] Calcium is particularly important for bones, muscles, and nerves.[1]
The medical use of calcium supplements began in the 19th century.[5] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[6] They are available as generic medication.[3] The wholesale cost in the developing world is about US$0.92–4.76 per month.[7] In the United States treatment generally costs less than $25 per month.[4] In 2017, it was the 262nd most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than one million prescriptions.[8][9] Versions are also sold together with vitamin D.[3] The combination, calcium/cholecalciferol was the 236th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than two million prescriptions.[8][10]