Caltate300 mg

Caltate is indicated for the following uses:

Established/Standard Uses

• Prevention and treatment of dietary calcium deficiency, including in individuals with inadequate dietary calcium intake.
• Treatment of mild, chronic hypocalcemia (low blood calcium) that does not require emergency intravenous correction.

Adjunct/Guideline-Supported Uses

• Adjunct (together with vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise, and, where indicated, prescription bone-active therapy) in the prevention and management of osteoporosis and osteopenia.
• Supplementation of calcium requirements during pregnancy and lactation, growth, and in older adults, per physician or dietitian guidance.

Caltate is not intended to treat severe or symptomatic hypocalcemia, which requires urgent medical evaluation and, often, intravenous calcium therapy.

Each tablet contains Calcium Lactate USP as the active ingredient, providing elemental calcium. Calcium Lactate is the calcium salt of lactic acid and is available in tablet and, in some markets, effervescent or powder form. Strength and elemental calcium content vary by brand and formulation; check the product label for the exact amount of elemental calcium per unit dose.

Caltate is a calcium salt used as a dietary mineral supplement to prevent and treat low calcium levels in the body. It supplies elemental calcium in a form that is generally well absorbed and gentle on the stomach, making it a suitable option for people who need calcium supplementation, including those with reduced stomach acid. Caltate is commonly used alongside vitamin D and other measures for bone health.

Caltate belongs to the therapeutic class of calcium salts / mineral (electrolyte) supplements, used to correct or prevent calcium deficiency.

Mechanism

Calcium Lactate dissociates in the gastrointestinal tract to release calcium ions, which are absorbed primarily in the small intestine via both active (vitamin D-dependent) transport and passive diffusion. Calcium is essential for bone mineralization, neuromuscular transmission, blood coagulation, cardiac function, and as a cofactor for many enzymatic processes.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption of Calcium Lactate does not depend heavily on gastric acidity, so it can be taken with or without food and is a reasonable option for people with reduced stomach acid. Absorbed calcium is distributed throughout the body (over 99% stored in bone and teeth), and excess is excreted mainly via the kidneys and, to a lesser extent, in feces.

Caltate is taken orally with water, with or without food. Divided dosing (2–3 times daily) is preferred over a single large dose to maximize absorption and minimize gastrointestinal discomfort. Do not take at the same time as certain other medicines (see Interactions) — separate dosing as advised.

Clinically Significant Interactions

• Tetracycline and fluoroquinolone antibiotics: Calcium forms insoluble complexes with these antibiotics, substantially reducing their absorption and effectiveness. Separate dosing of Caltate from these antibiotics by at least 2–3 hours.
• Thiazide diuretics: Reduce urinary calcium excretion and may increase the risk of hypercalcemia when combined with Caltate; monitor serum calcium if used together.
• Digoxin: Hypercalcemia increases the risk of digitalis toxicity and cardiac arrhythmia; use Caltate cautiously and monitor in patients on digoxin.
• Levothyroxine and bisphosphonates: Calcium can reduce absorption of these medicines; separate dosing of Caltate by at least 4 hours from levothyroxine and by the interval specified on the bisphosphonate label.
• Iron supplements: Calcium may reduce iron absorption; separate dosing where possible.

Caltate is generally well tolerated when taken at recommended doses. Reported side effects include:

Common

• Constipation
• Bloating or gas
• Mild stomach upset

Uncommon (usually with excessive intake)

• Hypercalcemia — symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, excessive thirst, increased urination, confusion, or fatigue.
• Kidney stones with chronic excessive intake, especially in predisposed individuals.

Seek medical advice if side effects are severe or persistent.

Calcium is an essential nutrient in pregnancy and lactation, and calcium supplementation, including with Caltate, at recommended doses is generally considered appropriate and often advised to help meet increased calcium requirements during these periods. However, Caltate should be used only as directed and dosed appropriately; excessive intake should be avoided. Use Caltate during pregnancy and breastfeeding only as recommended by a physician, who can advise on the correct dose based on dietary intake and individual needs.

Use Caltate with caution in patients with a history of kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) or renal impairment, as excessive calcium intake can increase the risk of stone formation or hypercalcemia. Use caution in patients with sarcoidosis or other granulomatous diseases, which can increase sensitivity to vitamin D and calcium. Avoid excessive total calcium intake from combined dietary and supplemental sources. Periodic monitoring of serum calcium may be advised for patients on prolonged or high-dose therapy, or those taking interacting medicines (see Interactions). Space dosing appropriately from tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, levothyroxine, bisphosphonates, and iron supplements as described above.

Excessive intake of Caltate can cause hypercalcemia, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, confusion, excessive thirst, increased urination, and, in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmia or kidney impairment. If overdose is suspected, stop the medicine and seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center. Do not attempt home treatment for a suspected significant overdose.

Store at room temperature (below 30°C), away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Renal Impairment

Use Caltate with caution in patients with renal impairment, who are at increased risk of hypercalcemia; dosing should be individualized and monitored by a physician.

Hepatic Impairment

No specific dose adjustment is generally required for Caltate in hepatic impairment; use as directed by a physician.

Elderly

Caltate is commonly used in older adults to help meet increased calcium requirements for bone health; use per physician guidance, considering renal function and concurrent medicines.

Duration of treatment with Caltate depends on the indication — short-term for correcting a temporary deficiency, or long-term (often ongoing) as part of bone health maintenance or osteoporosis prevention. Follow the duration advised by your physician and attend recommended follow-up for calcium level monitoring where advised.

Calcium Lactate is classified as a calcium salt / mineral electrolyte supplement.

Calcium Lactate releases calcium ions upon dissolution, which are absorbed in the intestine and used by the body for bone mineralization, muscle contraction, nerve signal transmission, blood clotting, and enzyme activity, thereby correcting or preventing calcium deficiency.

Calcium requirements vary by age, and Caltate may be used in children under physician or pediatrician guidance to meet calcium needs when dietary intake is insufficient, based on age-appropriate elemental calcium requirements. The safety and efficacy of specific commercial formulations of Caltate in children have not been separately established for every product; use only under medical supervision with an appropriate pediatric dose.