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Drug Interactions between alendronate / cholecalciferol and Dical Captabs

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Major

ergocalciferol cholecalciferol

Applies to: Dical Captabs (calcium / vitamin d) and alendronate / cholecalciferol

Using ergocalciferol together with cholecalciferol should generally be avoided unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Both of these medications are forms of vitamin D, and taking too much vitamin D can lead to toxic effects related to excessive calcium levels in the blood and urine, such as irregular heart rhythm, seizures, kidney stones, and eventual calcification of blood vessels, cornea, and soft tissues of the body. If you take digoxin, a common heart medication, having a high blood level of calcium can also increase the risk of developing digoxin toxicity. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. You will need close monitoring of your calcium and phosphorus levels to safely use these medications. You should avoid an abrupt increase in your dietary calcium intake, and seek medical attention if you experience early symptoms of vitamin D intoxication such as weakness, fatigue, headache, drowsiness, vertigo, ringing in the ears, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, metallic taste, muscle pain, bone pain, muscle incoordination, and low muscle tone. Late symptoms may include frequent urination, excessive thirst, weight loss, conjunctivitis ("pink eye"), light sensitivity, runny nose, itching, increased body temperature, and irregular heart rhythm. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Moderate

calcium carbonate alendronate

Applies to: Dical Captabs (calcium / vitamin d) and alendronate / cholecalciferol

Alendronate and calcium carbonate should not be taken orally at the same time. Products that contain magnesium, aluminum, calcium, iron, and/or other minerals may interfere with the absorption of alendronate into the bloodstream and reduce its effectiveness. You should take calcium carbonate at least 30 minutes after the alendronate dose. Talk to a healthcare professional if you are not sure whether a product contains something that could potentially interact with your medication or if you have questions on how to take this or other medications you are prescribed. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Drug and food interactions

Moderate

calcium carbonate food

Applies to: Dical Captabs (calcium / vitamin d)

Calcium absorption may be increased by taking it with food. However, foods high in oxalic acid (spinach or rhubarb), or phytic acid (bran and whole grains) may decrease calcium absorption. Calcium may be taken with food to increase absorption. Consider spacing calcium administration for at least 2 hours before or after consuming foods high in oxalic acid or phytic acid. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Moderate

alendronate food

Applies to: alendronate / cholecalciferol

Food may reduce the absorption of alendronate, which may lead to lower blood levels of the medication and possibly reduced effectiveness. You should take alendronate first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything or take any other medication. Take each dose with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water, and use only plain water (not mineral or vitamin water). Do not take alendronate if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes. Because alendronate can cause irritation and ulcer in the stomach or esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach), you will need to stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medication. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions on how to take this or other medications you are prescribed. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Therapeutic duplication warnings

Therapeutic duplication is the use of more than one medicine from the same drug category or therapeutic class to treat the same condition. This can be intentional in cases where drugs with similar actions are used together for demonstrated therapeutic benefit. It can also be unintentional in cases where a patient has been treated by more than one doctor, or had prescriptions filled at more than one pharmacy, and can have potentially adverse consequences.

Duplication

Vitamin d analogs

Therapeutic duplication

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'vitamin d analogs' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'vitamin d analogs' category:

  • alendronate/cholecalciferol
  • Dical Captabs (calcium/vitamin d)

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.

See also

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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer