Drug interactions
Calcium + Digoxin
Severity: Minor
Calcium and Digoxin: 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
The legacy concern is that calcium carbonate raises gastric pH and increases digoxin exposure, but this is not well established. Antacids more often slightly reduce digoxin absorption by binding. Separately, intravenous calcium can increase digoxin toxicity, though oral calcium does not carry that risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Calcium and Digoxin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Calcium belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Digoxin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Antacid binding or pH effects may slightly alter oral digoxin absorption; no robust mechanism for increased levels is established.
What to do
Separate oral digoxin and calcium carbonate by about 2 hours. Monitor digoxin levels and clinical status if calcium dosing changes substantially.
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 Digoxin
- Digoxin + Lily of the valley Contraindicated
- Digoxin + Squill Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Digoxin Major
- Amiodarone + Digoxin Major
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Digoxin Major
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Digoxin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Calcium with Digoxin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Calcium and Digoxin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. The legacy concern is that calcium carbonate raises gastric pH and increases digoxin exposure, but this is not well established. Antacids more often slightly reduce digoxin absorption by binding. Separately, intravenous calcium can increase digoxin toxicity, though oral calcium does not carry that risk.
How serious is the interaction between Calcium and Digoxin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Separate oral digoxin and calcium carbonate by about 2 hours. Monitor digoxin levels and clinical status if calcium dosing changes substantially.
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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