Drug interactions
Budesonide + Calcium
Severity: Minor
Budesonide and Calcium: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Systemic corticosteroids reduce intestinal calcium absorption and increase urinary calcium loss, contributing to bone loss. Oral budesonide has high first-pass metabolism, so effects are smaller but can occur with long-term use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Budesonide and Calcium have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Budesonide belongs to Respiratory; Calcium belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Corticosteroids decrease intestinal calcium absorption and increase renal calcium excretion.
What to do
Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake during long-term budesonide therapy, and assess bone density in high-risk patients.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Calcium
- Calcium + Ceftriaxone Contraindicated
- Acalabrutinib + Calcium Moderate
- Alendronate + Calcium Moderate
- Atazanavir + Calcium Moderate
- Baloxavir marboxil + Calcium Moderate
- Bendroflumethiazide + Calcium Moderate
Other interactions of Budesonide
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Budesonide with Calcium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Budesonide and Calcium have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Systemic corticosteroids reduce intestinal calcium absorption and increase urinary calcium loss, contributing to bone loss. Oral budesonide has high first-pass metabolism, so effects are smaller but can occur with long-term use.
How serious is the interaction between Budesonide and Calcium?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake during long-term budesonide therapy, and assess bone density in high-risk patients.
What other medicines interact with Calcium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Calcium with, for example, Ceftriaxone, Acalabrutinib, Alendronate. The full list is on the Calcium page.
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