What is Calphron?
Calcium is an essential mineral for the body. It is especially important for bone maintenance and formation. Calcium can also bind with other minerals, such as phosphate, and help remove them from the body. Calphron helps to maintain phosphate levels in patients with renal failure on dialysis. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Calphron.
Side effects of Calphron
When experiencing symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical assistance: hives, difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips or throat.
Calphron may cause serious side effects. Calphron should be stopped immediately, and you should consult your doctor if:
- High levels of calcium are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, constipation, muscle pain, fatigue, and confusion.
Calphron side effects may include:
- Increased calcium levels in the blood
- Nausea;
- Diarrhoea.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician immediately if experiencing side effects and for advice; alternatively contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report side effects.
Warnings
Calphron should not be used if your blood calcium levels are high.
Before you take this drug
Calphron should not be used if the user is allergic to it or has high calcium levels in their blood.
Tell your doctor if:
- Your kidney disease becomes worse.
- You can also take lanoxin (digitalis).
Inform your doctor immediately if you plan to get pregnant. Calphron is not known to harm unborn babies, but kidney failure or hypercalcemia can cause problems for both mother and baby. This medicine may be beneficial to pregnant women. Inform your doctor if breastfeeding is a concern. Calphron should not be used by anyone under the age of 18.
How to take Calphron?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. Please follow your doctor's directions when taking medications, which should always be taken exactly as directed.
Measuring liquid medicine is important. Use the provided dosing device or a dose-measuring tool (not a spoon). Take the capsule along with your meal. Keep a food journal to track how much calcium is in your diet.
You may need to undergo frequent medical tests. Tests can be used to determine whether Calphron works, even if there are no symptoms. Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture to preserve quality and extend shelf life.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Take calcium supplements only if your doctor prescribes them. Use only the antacids that your doctor has prescribed. Some antacids contain calcium.
Interaction with other drug
Take calcium acetate separately from any of the following medications:
- Calphron is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Take it 6 hours before or 2 hours after you take ciprofloxacin or other antibiotics such as moxifloxacin or levofloxacin.
- Calphron is a tetracycline antibiotic. Take it 1 hour before or 1 hour after taking an antibiotic like doxycycline or minocycline.
- Calphron and thyroid medication: Take Calphron 4 hours before or after taking thyroid medication.
Calphron may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you will begin or stop using.
