Calcium lactate

Generic name: calcium lactate [ KAL-see-um-LAK-tate ]
Brand name: Ridactate
Dosage form: oral tablet (650 mg)
Drug class: Minerals and electrolytes

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 11, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is calcium lactate?

Calcium lactate is a mineral that is used to treat or prevent low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia) in people who do not get enough calcium from food.

Calcium lactate is also used in the treatment of conditions such as osteoporosis, disorders of the parathyroid gland, or certain muscle problems.

Calcium lactate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Calcium lactate side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Calcium lactate may cause serious side effects. Stop using calcium lactate and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe nausea, vomiting, or constipation; or

• high blood calcium--confusion, tiredness, loss of appetite, increased thirst or urination, weight loss.

Common side effects of calcium lactate may include:

• stomach pain, gas; or

• constipation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Follow all directions on the label and package. Use exactly as directed.

Before taking this medicine

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if calcium lactate is safe to use if you have ever had:

• kidney disease, kidney stones;

• heart problems;

• a lung disorder called sarcoidosis;

• a pancreas disorder;

• decreased stomach acid; or

• any condition that makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients from food (malabsorption).

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while nursing a baby.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I take calcium lactate?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Calcium lactate works best if you take it with food.

Drink plenty of liquids every day.

You may need medical tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Calcium lactate dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Hypocalcemia:

325 to 650 mg orally 2 to 3 times a day before meals. Treatment may also consist of vitamin D orally.

Usual Adult Dose for Osteomalacia:

325 to 650 mg orally 2 to 3 times a day before meals. Treatment may also consist of vitamin D orally.

Usual Adult Dose for Hypoparathyroidism:

325 mg orally 3 times a day before meals. Treatment may also consist of vitamin D orally.

Usual Adult Dose for Pseudohypoparathyroidism:

325 mg orally once a day before the breakfast meal. Treatment may also consist of vitamin D orally.

Usual Adult Dose for Osteoporosis:

325 to 650 mg orally 3 times a day before meals. Osteoporosis can be affected by increased serum parathyroid hormone, excessive alcohol intake, tobacco use, certain drugs (corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, heparin, thyroid hormone), dietary vitamin D, and weight bearing exercise.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hypocalcemia:

Neonatal:
Oral:
Hypocalcemia (dose depends on clinical condition and serum calcium level):
Dose expressed in mg of elemental calcium: 50 to 150 mg/kg/day in 4 to 6 divided doses; not to exceed 1 g/day
Dose expressed in mg of calcium lactate: 400 to 500 mg/kg/day divided every 4 to 6 hours

Oral:
Hypocalcemia (dose depends on clinical condition and serum calcium level):
Dose expressed in mg of elemental calcium:
Children: 45 to 65 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses
Dose expressed in mg of calcium lactate:
Infants: 400 to 500 mg/kg/day divided every 4 to 6 hours
Children: 500 mg/kg/day divided every 6 to 8 hours; maximum daily dose: 9 g

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, headache, tiredness, or mood changes.

What should I avoid while taking calcium lactate?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect calcium lactate?

Calcium lactate can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth, especially:

• an antibiotic;

• any other supplement or medicine that contain calcium;

• heart medication;

• a diuretic or "water pill"; or

• medicines to treat osteoporosis (such as alendronate, pamidronate, risedronate, zoledronic acid, Fosamax, Boniva, Reclast, and others).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect calcium lactate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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