Klonopin & Calcium

Calcium is essential to maintaining strong bones, a healthy heart, properly functioning nerves and capable muscles. Ensuring you consume at least 1,000 mg per day of calcium is important, but it's just as important to know how the calcium you need impacts your body's metabolism of Klonopin. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the proper administration of your medication.

About Klonopin

Klonopin is the trade name for clonazepam, a prescription benzodiazepine used to treat epilepsy and panic attacks. You typically take Klonopin 1 to 3 times each day, depending upon your condition. You should take your Klonopin at the same time each day to maintain steady levels of the medication in your system. Don't eat grapefruit within two hours of taking your medication, as this can make Klonopin less effective.

Klonopin and Calcium

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Calcium delays the gastrointestinal absorption and reduces the peak plasma concentration of Klonopin, making it less effective. Therefore, you should not take Klonopin and calcium within two hours of each other. In addition to calcium supplements and medications containing calcium, you should also avoid consuming foods or beverages rich in calcium within two hours of taking Klonopin, according to "Focus on Nursing Pharmacology. 2"

Sources of Calcium

In addition to calcium supplements, many multivitamins and vitamin D supplements contain calcium. Read the nutrition label on the container to determine if your supplements contain calcium 3. As many antacids also contain calcium, you should read these labels, as well, or ask your pharmacist to determine if your antacids contain calcium. Food sources rich in calcium include dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese. Fortified foods, including cereal and orange juice, are also often rich in calcium.

Considerations

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You can successfully take Klonopin and consume an adequate amount of calcium each day by planning the administration of your Klonopin, supplements and meals. For example, if you take Klonopin in the morning, you may wish to plan to take your calcium supplement or eat calcium-rich foods with dinner. Consult with your physician if you are struggling to consume an appropriate amount of calcium and take your Klonopin at its prescribed intervals.