This entry was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia app bundle and has not been reviewed by a named clinician on this site. It is provided for educational reference only — verify dosage and safety information against current, authoritative sources and a qualified healthcare professional before any clinical use.
Calcium is a mineral that is found naturally in foods. Calcium is necessary for many normal functions of the body, especially bone formation and maintenance.
Calcium carbonate is used to prevent or to treat a calcium deficiency.
There are many brands and forms of calcium carbonate available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.
Calcium carbonate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Indications
Calcium is a mineral that is found naturally in foods. Calcium is necessary for many normal functions of the body, especially bone formation and maintenance.
Calcium carbonate is used to prevent or to treat a calcium deficiency.
There are many brands and forms of calcium carbonate available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.
Calcium carbonate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Contraindications
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take calcium carbonate if you have ever had:
kidney disease; kidney stones ; cancer ; a parathyroid gland disorder; or high levels of calcium in your blood.
Ask a doctor before using calcium carbonate if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are nursing.
Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Calcium carbonate may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:
little or no urinating; swelling, rapid weight gain; or high levels of calcium in your blood -- nausea , vomiting , constipation , increased thirst or urination, muscle weakness, bone pain, confusion, lack of energy, or feeling tired.
Common side effects of calcium carbonate may include:
upset stomach , gas; or constipation.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
High Risk Groups
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Adult Dosage
540 to 1500 mg (1000 (1020)) 24 hourly PO — In divided doses
Scraped Dose — Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Check the label of your calcium carbonate product to see if it should be taken with or without food.
Swallow the calcium carbonate regular tablet with a full glass of water.
The chewable tablet should be chewed before you swallow it.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Use the calcium carbonate powder as directed. Allow the powder to dissolve completely, then consume the mixture.
Calcium carbonate may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes dietary changes. Learn about the foods that contain calcium.
Your calcium carbonate dose may need to be adjusted as you make changes to your diet. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.
Child Dosage
27 to 100 mg/kg (64 (63.5)) 24 hourly Oral — -
Neonatal Dosage
33.75 to 125 mg/kg (79 (79.375)) 24 hourly oral —
Drug Interactions
Calcium Carbonate is known to interact with other drugs, the details of drug interactions is as follows:DrugDetailsSeverityOnsetManagementCiprofloxacinbinds with drugs or increase pH that effects drug solubilityantacid should not be given within two hours of the dose of these drugsDigoxinCalcium Carbonate may enhance the arrhythmogenic effect of Digoxin.ModerateMonitor toxic effects of digoxin (especially cardiac arrhythmias) if a calcium product (especially I.V.) is initiated or the dose is increased.Iron Saltsbinds with drugs or increase pH that effects drug solubilityantacid should not be given within two hours of the dose of these drugsItraconazolebinds with drugs or increase pH that effects drug solubilityantacid should not be given within two hours of the dose of these drugsSodium Polystyrene SulphonateStrontium-89 ChlorideSaturation of bone-binding sites by calcium may reduce uptake of strontium-89 chloride. ModerateCalcium-containing preparations should be withheld for 2 weeks before until 2 weeks after administration of strontium-89 chloride.Tetracycline (HCl)binds with drugs or increase pH that effects drug solubilityantacid should not be given within two hours of the dose of these drugs These interactions are sometimes beneficial and sometimes may pose threats to life. Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
Storage
Tab Store Between 20°C-25°C. Protect from Sunlight and Moisture.