Can i take calcium citrate mg with calcitriol mcg daily
I am really worried about my mom lately. She’s been on calcitriol for her osteoporosis, and her doctor just suggested adding calcium citrate. Now, here’s the thing: she’s been taking calcitriol mcg daily, but can I take calcium citrate mg with calcitriol mcg daily without it messing up her levels or causing any side effects? She’s a bit forgetful sometimes cause of her age and well, we don’t want to have her taking too much of anything! Like, I read somewhere that taking too much calcium could cause issues, but I’m confused about exactly how much is too much? My mom is also on some other meds, and I’m just trying to figure out if mixing these two would be okay. Like, what are the real risks of taking calcium citrate mg with calcitriol mcg daily? I wish I could just talk to her doctor, but she usually brushes me off about these things. If anyone else has dealt with this or has knowledge about calcium citrate mg and calcitriol mcg daily usage, I'd really appreciate your advice! I’m just trying to keep her safe and healthy, ya know?
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Doctors' responses
Mixing calcium citrate with calcitriol is generally safe and can be a common practice in managing conditions like osteoporosis, as calcitriol helps with the absorption of calcium. However, it’s essential to monitor the total daily intake of calcium. Typically, the recommended daily allowance for calcium in older adults (like your mom, assuming she’s around 65 or older) is 1,200 mg per day, although this can vary based on individual circumstances and doctor’s advice. This total includes dietary calcium, so it’s important to consider how much calcium, if any, she’s already getting from food. Excess calcium, particularly beyond 2,000-2,500 mg daily, can lead to complications such as kidney stones or cardiovascular issues. It’s crucial to ensure she isn’t exceeding these limits when you combine dietary sources with supplements.
Since calcitriol increases calcium levels in the blood, it’s important to avoid hypercalcemia, a condition where calcium levels in the blood are too high. Symptoms could include fatigue, nausea, constipation, or even more serious effects like confusion or arrhythmias. Be attentive to how she feels after starting the supplements and watch for any such signs. While mixing these two is generally safe under usual dosages, it is best to coordinate with her healthcare provider for the most appropriate dosage for her. It’s understandable that you might feel brushed aside by the doctor, but ensuring safety here is crucial. If possible, insist on a brief discussion or at least a clarification from her provider, even if through a nurse or PA, just to be extra sure. Keeping records of her daily intake or a medication chart could also help manage this if she tends to forget her doses. This way, you have a clearer picture of how much she’s taking.
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