Do Kalms contain lactose?

In this guide, we will discuss if Kalms contain lactose, the main ingredients and others that may be included, what are Kalms tablets and what are they used for, who shouldn’t take them, possible interactions with other drugs, how to take them, what happens if you take more than the recommended dose and additional considerations.

Do Kalms contain lactose?

If you are wondering ‘Do Kalms contain lactose?’ could be because you are lactose intolerant and you are considering taking Kalms tablets or you know someone that is lactose intolerant that would like to start using these tablets for various reasons.

However, here you can find what Kalms tablets contains directly from the patient leaflet:

Hop strobiles (Humulus lupulus L.) ………………………………………………………………………. 45mg

Dry extract from Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis L.)

(equivalent to 135 to 167mg of Valerian root)

Extraction solvent: Ethanol 60%v/v ………………………………………………………………… 33.75mg

Dry extract from Gentian root (Gentiana lutea L.)

(equivalent to 90mg of Gentian root)

Extraction solvent: Ethanol 50% v/v …………………………………………………………………… 22.5mg

The other ingredients are:

Extract: Maltodextrin, Colloidal anhydrous silica, Dicalcium Phosphate

Core: Acacia, Icing Sugar, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, Sodium Starch Glycolate,

Stearic Acid.

Coating: Acacia, Calcium Carbonate (Light), Carnauba Wax, Mastercote Pink SP0415G,

Talc, Shellac, Sucrose, Titanium Dioxide, Yellow Beeswax 

Subsequently, you can see how Kalms do not contain lactose.

Companies often use lactose as an excipient in tablets because of its ideal characteristics and most patients with a lactose intolerance actually tolerate lactose but in small amounts.

Let’s see some other valuable information from the leaflet if any additional doubts arise.

What are Kalms tablets?

According to the patient leaflet “Kalms contains Hops, Valerian root, and Gentian root and is a traditional herbal medicinal product used for the temporary relief of symptoms associated with stress such as mild anxiety and irritability including symptoms associated with menopause such as flushings and cold sweats and for the temporary relief of sleep disturbances, based on traditional use only.”

However, before you decide to take Kalms consider the following:

• If you are allergic or you suspect you may be allergic to any of the ingredients we have mentioned, do not take Kalms and talk to your physician.
• Do not take Kalms if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You are under the age of 18.
• If you are taking medicine for sleep and/or anxiety avoid using Kalms.

Types of Kalms

There are a variety of Kalms products such as:

• Kalms Night One-A-Night
• Kalms Night
• Kalms Day
• Kalms Lavender One-A-Day Capsules

Consequently, depending on the type of Kalms tablets you are considering taking, ingredients may vary but the main active component (Valerian Root) stays the same. If you like lavender, you should try the best lavender teas for anxiety.

Here is a list of the best Kalms range of products for anxiety.

If you don’t like pills or capsules, you can check out the Best Syrups for anxiety, plant extracts rich in adaptogens.

What is anxiety?

Even though anxiety is considered normal and part of our lives, experiencing it at higher levels than usual or feeling too overwhelmed or unable to cope with it can actually result in a significant impact in our daily activities. 

Anxiety can have different root causes which can vary from one person to the other, but here are some of the most common:

• Your current life situation or certain specific events you have gone through recently.
• Childhood experiences such as trauma, being abused, a death in the family.
• Having a medical condition or suffering from chronic illnesses.
• Having a mental health illness such as depression or having phobias.
• Certain medications and substances can exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

Can I use Kalms while using other medicine?

It is not recommended to start taking Kalms if you are taking prescribed or over the counter medicines.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacists first if you have started or you have been taking other medicines.

Moreover, it is important to consider that Kalms contains sucrose and if you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, consult with them before starting to take the tablets.

How to take Kalms Tablets

For the temporary relief of the symptoms of stress, mild anxiety, and irritability including symptoms associated with menopause such as flushings and cold sweats:

• Adults and the elderly: Take 2 tablets twice a day after meals plus 3 tablets at bedtime. For the temporary relief of sleep disturbances
• Adults and the elderly: Take 2 tablets 30-60 minutes before bedtime. One additional tablet can be taken earlier during the evening if necessary.

The tablets should be swallowed whole with some water or other liquid, also the use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age is not recommended.

The maximum daily dose is 6 tablets and as the effects of this product may not occur immediately, the tablets should be taken continuously for 2-4 weeks.

If symptoms worsen or do not improve after 4 weeks, a doctor or a qualified healthcare practitioner should be consulted. 

What happens if I take more Kalms than I should?

If you take too many tablets at once or more than the recommended amount, consult with your doctor or qualified healthcare practitioner as soon as possible. 

In addition, if you forget to take one dose, do not attempt to take two at the same time to make up for the missed dose. 

Possible side effects

Everyone can react differently to the use of Kalms but it is important to consider the possible side effects.

Here are some of them:

• Gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, stomach cramps have been reported with Valerian root preparations. The frequency is not known.
•  Gastrointestinal disorders have been observed with Gentian root. The frequency was uncommon. In rare cases, tachycardia and pruritus have been reported. Headache may occur. The frequency is unknown.
• If any of the side effects become serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in the leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist. 

Recommendations to store Kalms tablets

• Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
• Do not take Kalms tablets after the expiry date which is stated on the packaging.
• Do not store above 25ºC.
• Store in the original package. 

What Kalms tablets look like and contents of the pack

Kalms tablets are white circular sugar-coated tablets. They are available in amber glass

bottles containing 100 or 200 tablets. Kalms tablets are also available in blister packs

containing 84 tablets. 

Reporting of side effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.

This includes any possible side effects not listed in the leaflet.

You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow

Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Why is this blog about Do Kalms contain lactose important?

As discussed and answering the question ‘Do Kalms contain lactose?’ we can say that they actually do not contain lactose and as many companies have decided to replace lactose (even if used in small amounts) with sucrose.

In addition, we have talked about how Kalms seems to be a temporary solution in the treatment of mild anxiety symptoms, irritability, and stress. 

However, consider talking to your pharmacists or your doctor before taking Kalms since you could be allergic to some of the ingredients or it could interact with any current medication you may be taking for any other condition.

Please feel free to leave any comments or thoughts about the content of this article!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Do Kalms contain lactose

References 

Patient Information Leaflet (can be found here)

Drugs.com: “Kalms TABLETS”

Chemist-4-u.com: “Kalms Day – 84 Tablets”

Kalmsrange.com: “Kalms Day”