Cal-Gest – Information, Use and Side Effects

Drug Trade Name:  Calcarb, Calcium Liquid Softgel, Calci Mix, Chooz, Calci-Chew, Calci Mix, Cal-Gest, Caltrate, Oyster Shell Calcium & Calcium Concentrate

Category: Antacids, minerals and electrolytes

Generic Name: calcium carbonate

Introduction and Quick Information:

Calcium is a mineral that is present in foods naturally.  This medicine is used to cure or prevent the low level of calcium in the blood. Low concentration of calcium in the blood can be a sign of other conditions like:

• Osteoporosis (bone loss)
• Latent tetany (certain muscle disease)
• Hypoparathyroidism (reduced activity of the parathyroid gland)

It is necessary for many functions that take place in our body like bone formation along with maintenance and normal functioning of different body cells, nerves & muscles.

The body takes calcium from bones in case of its low level in the blood; thereby, making them weak.

Is It Approved by the U.S. FDA?

Since it falls in the category of nutritional supplements, the U.S. FDA is not the concerned regulatory body.

Usage and Benefits of Cal-Gest:

It is used for various purposes. Some of them are as follows:

• It is necessary for normal functioning of muscles, cells & nerves
• Bone formation & maintenance
• It is used to manage various conditions like osteoporosis (bone loss), latent tetany (certain muscle disease) & hypoparathyroidism (reduced activity of the parathyroid gland)

Cal-Gest Side Effects:

Just like any other medicine, Cal-Gest does have some side effects. However, the side effects are usually mild and may vary from person to person; depending on several factors, such as age, sex, & intake of other drugs and so on. Thus, in case you experience any of the below-mentioned side effects of Cal-gest, consult your physician.

Frequent Cal-Gest Side Effects:

You may feel below-listed symptoms while using this drug. It is not necessary that all people, who are consuming this drug will experience such negative symptoms. These symptoms are not harmful to the body, but if you find hard to endure them, look for medical aid sooner the better.

Less-serious side effects may include:

• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Decreased appetite
• Nausea
• More urination than normal
• Increased thirst

Infrequent Cal-Gest Side Effects:

If you are experiencing any of the below-given symptoms during the treatment with Cal-Gest, seek medical help immediately.

• Allergic Reactions like hive, breathing difficulty and swelling of the face, tongue, lips or throat
• Very little to no urination
• quick weight gain or swelling
• High blood calcium level, leading to muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, constipation, appetite loss and feeling of restlessness and tiredness.

General Recommended Dosages of Cal-Gest:

Cal-Gest is available in the forms of tablets, capsules, liquid & chewable tablets. You should take this medicine as suggested by your physician or as per the directions on the package label.

• It works best when taken with food as a dietary supplement.
• Do not gulp down the chewable tablets as these should be chewed completely.
• The liquid form of Cal-Gest should be shaken well before use.
• Swallow the calcium carbonate capsule or tablet with a full glass of water.
• Let the Cal-Gest powder dissolve fully in a glass of water and then, drink the mixture. Use the powder as directed.

In Case I Miss the Dose?

There is nothing to worry much if you have missed a dose on time. Well, In case you have forgotten to take this medicine for more than a day, you should notify this your doctor about it because he/she will guide you what to do next.

You must take the missed dose the moment you remember if there is not much difference between the timings of two doses.

If it is a time to have your next dose & you forgot to take your previous dose, you should take next dose on time skipping the previous dose. Don’t have a double dose to compensate for the previously scheduled dose that has been missed by you.

In Case I Take Overdose?

Different people respond differently to drug overdose. Newborn babies, children and aged people have a higher tendency to develop serious symptoms than adults or young people due to their relatively weak immune system.

Cal-Gest Overdose symptoms may include:

• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Decreased appetite
• Constipation
• Coma
• Delirium
• Stupor

Well, if you have a strange feeling after consuming a large quantity of this medicine, you must seek emergency help.

Drug Interactions of Cal-Gest:

Drug interaction is a very common problem that usually occur when a person uses many drugs at a time. To overcome this problem, you should let your doctor know about all the medicines you are using for the treatment of other conditions as well as about the use of alcohol, tobacco, herbal products, and vitamins and mineral supplements. This will lower the chance of drug interaction that may lead to serious adverse effects.

Calcium carbonate can make it difficult for our body to absorb other drugs that are consumed orally. Let your doctor know if you are consuming any of these drugs:

• Antacids
• Digoxin (lanoxicaps, lanoxin)
• Other calcium supplements
• Doxycycline (adoxa, oracea, doryx, vibramycin)
• Calcitriol (rocaltrol)
• Vitamin D supplements
• Tetracycline (brodspec, sumycin, panmycin, tetracap).
• Minocycline (dynacin, solodyn, minocin, vectrin)

This is not a complete list of drugs that may lead to drug interactions. If you are a bit skeptic about some other drugs that may interact with Cal-Gest, you should consult your doctor.

Lifestyle and Food Habits You Must Follow When on Cal-Gest:

Our lifestyle & food habits are something that may increase or reduce the efficiency of a drug. Some people drink, but they are not aware of the dire consequences of drinking alcohol. It can diminish the effectiveness of a medicine. So, you must notify your medical healthcare professional about your way of living such as – at what time you sleep & wake up as well as dietary habits, including daily consumption of carbohydrates, fats, proteins through plant and animal sources.

A doctor may ask you to have some specific vegetables or fruits along with the recommended dose of a drug just to increase the effectiveness of the same.

Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about any restrictions on beverages, food or activity.

How Safe is Cal-Gest for Pregnant Women or Nursing Mothers?

Cal-Gest falls under the pregnancy category “N.” This means the U.S. FDA has not classified this medicine. So, never forget to discuss its ill effects along with favorable effects of this medicine with your doctor when you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. Don’t use Cal-Gest on your own.

Since we don’t have enough information that could prove the presence of this medicine in breast milk, it is recommended to consult the doctor to know about all possible effects that may occur to a nursing baby during breastfeeding.

Complications and Conditions Possible Due to Prolonged Use of Cal-Gest:

Prolonged use of medicines can reduce their effectiveness, causing a weakened response to the same prescribed amount over time. This might require you to increase the quantity of drug to be consumed in order to get the same response. However, this will also increase the rate of occurrence of undesirable effects from the drug. So, it is essential that your medical healthcare professional check your progress at regular intervals to confirm whether Cal-Gest is working as expected & not causing any unwanted effects.

Availability of Cal-Gest:

You can find Cal-Gest at a nearby drug store. Additionally, if your medical healthcare provider recommends this medicine, you must ask her/him about the places, where this medicine is easily available.