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Suggest Treatment For Calcium Deficiency
My son was on Dilantin for seizures for from the ages of about 4 thru 16. At about 13 yrs of age, the pharmacist told me that it drew the calcium out of his bones and for him to take a supplement. Needless to say he would not take supplements (also had trouble getting him to stay on the meds). He is now 34 and his teeth are falling apart. Is there anything other than eating calcium rich foods and taking a supplement that he can do? Does he need to get his blood checked?
Mon, 5 Jan 2015
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows.
1. Get serum calcium level checked along with a bone mineral density test.
2. Dilantin is known to cause calcium depletion due to reduced absorption. However, the calcium gets replaced from bones resulting in normal serum calcium levels but weak bones.
3. If the tests are abnormal, calcium supplement is essential. If absorption is problematic, slow calcium infusion needs to be given. Overtime, it would improve. Study could also demonstrate, if there is any associated degenerative skeletal diseases. Test reports necessary for further opinion.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Thanks for asking.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows.
1. Get serum calcium level checked along with a bone mineral density test.
2. Dilantin is known to cause calcium depletion due to reduced absorption. However, the calcium gets replaced from bones resulting in normal serum calcium levels but weak bones.
3. If the tests are abnormal, calcium supplement is essential. If absorption is problematic, slow calcium infusion needs to be given. Overtime, it would improve. Study could also demonstrate, if there is any associated degenerative skeletal diseases. Test reports necessary for further opinion.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
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