Drug interactions
Calcium citrate + Etidronate
Severity: Moderate
Calcium citrate and Etidronate: moderate 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
Calcium citrate supplements taken with oral etidronate can chelate the drug and cut its absorption. Reduced exposure may lessen the effect on bone.
What this interaction means in plain words
Calcium citrate and Etidronate can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Divalent calcium cations chelate etidronate in the gastrointestinal tract, forming poorly absorbable complexes.
What to do
Separate calcium citrate from etidronate by at least 2 hours, taking etidronate fasting. In cyclic regimens, schedule calcium for the etidronate-free interval.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Etidronate
- Aluminum hydroxide + Etidronate Moderate
- Calcium acetate + Etidronate Moderate
- Calcium carbonate + Etidronate Moderate
- Calcium chloride + Etidronate Moderate
- Calcium gluconate + Etidronate Moderate
- Calcium + Etidronate Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Calcium citrate with Etidronate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Calcium citrate and Etidronate can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Calcium citrate supplements taken with oral etidronate can chelate the drug and cut its absorption. Reduced exposure may lessen the effect on bone.
How serious is the interaction between Calcium citrate and Etidronate?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Separate calcium citrate from etidronate by at least 2 hours, taking etidronate fasting. In cyclic regimens, schedule calcium for the etidronate-free interval.
What other medicines interact with Etidronate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Etidronate with, for example, Aluminum hydroxide, Calcium acetate, Calcium carbonate. The full list is on the Etidronate page.
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