Cal-Nate – Information, Use and Side Effects

Drug Trade Name: Foltabs Prenatal, CitraNatal Rx

Category: Supplements

Generic Name: Prenatal Multivitamin without Vitamin A with Minerals, Iron, Folic Acid, and Docusate Sodium

Introduction and Quick Information:

Cal-Nate is available under some brand names like Foltabs Prenatal, CitraNatal Rx. It is a multivitamin and can be used during or after the pregnancy to fulfill the deficiency of vitamins and minerals in the body. Moreover, it can also be used by breastfeeding mothers. It is a combination of folic acid, vitamins, minerals, iron, and stool softener. The Stool softener constituent of Cal-Nate can help in preventing constipation that is caused because of consumption of iron products.

Is It Approved by U.S. FDA?

Cal-Nate being a nutritional supplement doesn’t require approval by the United States Food and Administration Department (U.S. FDA).

Usage and Benefits of Cal-Nate:

Cal-Nate is a nutritional supplement and has various uses and benefits, these are:

• Prevents the deficiency of vitamins and minerals while pregnant or after the birth of the child, i.e. during the breastfeeding period. 
• Prevention of constipation caused because of iron products.

Cal-Nate Side Effects:

Cal-Nate despite being a nutritional supplement can cause various side effects. Some of the mild side-effects of Cal-Nate are nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, dark or discolored stools. However, Cal-Nat can also cause some severe allergic reactions, these are:

• Rash
• Itching
• Difficulty breathing
• Tightness in the chest
• Swelling of the mouth, tongue, lips, or face

If you observe any of these allergic reactions or some other discomfort after the consumption of Cal-Nate, it is advised to call for immediate medical attention.

General Recommended Dosages of Cal-Nate:

Use this medicine as directed by your doctor or on the label.

Here are few instructions that you should follow while using Cal-Nate:

• Swallow it with a full glass of water.
• You can have this medicine by mouth, either with or without food. However, it is advised to take it with food to avoid irritation in the stomach.
• Avoid taking antacid one hour before or two hours after you have Cal-Nate.
• Avoid the use of these medicines with dairy products as they can interfere with the absorption of iron present in Cal-Nate.

In Case I Miss a Dose?

Missing a dose of Cal-Nate isn’t hazardous. Just take the missed dose whenever you remember. Just make sure that you don’t overlap dosage timings and consume two dosages at once as it can cause over-dosage. Thus, it is advised to skip the missed dosage and continue with the scheduled dosage instead of overlapping them.

In Case I Take Overdose?

Use this medicine just as prescribed by your medical healthcare provider or as directed on the label. If it is used in a larger amount than recommended, it will cause some unpleasant effects. 

Symptoms of overdosage include:

• Tarry, black stools
• Lack of feeling alert
• Severe nausea
• Loss of balance
• Chest pain
• Vomiting
• Sluggishness
• Stomach pain
• Seizure
• Diarrhea
• Unusual weakness or tiredness
• Trouble breathing
• Weak pulse
• Shortness of breath
• Unusually pale skin

If you observe any of these symptoms, it is advised to call for immediate medical attention.

Drug Interactions of Cal-Nate:

Cal-Nate despite being a nutritional supplement, can interact with various drugs and can cause side-effects. Thus, it is advised to keep your doctor informed about the drugs you are taking so that they can inform you about the interactions. Various drugs that can interact with Cal-Nate are listed below: 

• ACE (Angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors such as eplerenone (Inspra), Captopril (Capoten).
• Potassium-sparing diuretics such as triamterene (Dyrenium)
• Chloramphenicol (Ocu-Chlor)
• Fluorouracil (Adrucil)
• Aluminum salts 
• Penicillamine (Cuprimine)
• Doxycyclines (Acticlate)
• Methyldopa (Aldomet)

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

While taking Cal-Nate your medical healthcare provider asks you to do some exercises or to follow a specific diet chart while taking a particular drug. Also, remember to inform your physician about all the vitamins, minerals, dietary supplement as well as prescription and nonprescription medication that you are taking so that they can determine the dosage appropriately.

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

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

Cal-Nate is safe for use in pregnant women and can help to fulfill the body’s requirement of vitamins, minerals, and folates during the pregnancy or after it, during the breastfeeding period.

Availability of Cal-Nate:

You may get this drug at a medical store. If you do not get it, better you ask your medical healthcare provider about the place where you can easily buy it from.