Calcium is attached to many statin molecules as a stabilizer. How much calcium will a patient receive by taking statins? Is the amount significant enough to be of concern? Or might the calcium be beneficial in patients for whom calcium is indicated?
—Ali Ahmadizadeh, MD, Stamford, Conn.
This is an interesting question. It is standard practice to use atoms like calcium to complete the molecule in the solid dosage form of the statins. However, the amount of calcium is so slight that it will have no beneficial or negative effects in clinical use. Therefore, a practitioner does not need to consider the calcium content when using statin therapy.
—Robert M. Guthrie, MD (119-13)
