Calcium Carbonate Oral tablet Health Article

Generic name(s):

Calcium Carbonate Oral tablet

Brand name(s):

Alka-Mints, Alkets, Alkums, Amilac, Amitone, Antacid (Calcium Carbonate), Antacid Extra Strength, Antacid Extra Strength Assorted Fruit Flavor, Antacid Extra Strength Tropical Fruit Flavor, Antacid Extra Strength Wintergreen Flavor, Antacid Long Lasting Fruit Flavor, Antacid Long Lasting Mint Flavor, Cal-Gest, Calcarb, Calci Mix, Calci-Chew, Calcitab, Calcium 600, Calcium Antacid, Calcium Antacid Extra Strength, Calcium Antacid Ultra Strength, Calcium Concentrate, Calcium Liquid Softgel, Calcium Oyster Shell, Caltrate, Caltro, Chewable Calcium, Chooz, Dicarbosil, Equilet, Extra Strength Mylanta Calci Tabs, Icar Prenatal Chewable Calcium, Maalox, Maalox Antacid Barrier, Maalox Childrens', Maalox Quick Dissolve, Maalox Quick Dissolve Maximum Strength, Maalox Regular Strength, Mylanta Child, Nephro Calci, Os-Cal, Os-Cal 500, Oysco 500, Oyst Cal, Oyst Cal 500, Oyster, Oyster Cal, Oyster Cal 500, Oyster Calcium, Oyster Shell, Oyster Shell Calcium 500, Pepto Children's, Rolaids Sodium Free, Rolaids Soft Chew, Super Calcium, Titralac, Tums, Tums 500, Tums E-X, Tums Ultra, Ultra Mylanta Calci Tabs

What is this medicine?

CALCIUM CARBONATE (KAL see um KAR bon ate) is a calcium salt. It is used as an antacid to relieve the symptoms of indigestion and heartburn. It is also used to prevent osteoporosis, as a calcium supplement, and to treat high phosphate levels in patients with kidney disease.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• constipation
• dehydration
• high blood calcium levels
• kidney disease
• stomach bleeding, obstruction or ulcer
• an unusual or allergic reaction to calcium carbonate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the label. Antacids are usually taken after meals and at bedtime, or as directed by your doctor or health care professional. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be used in children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• ammonium chloride
• methenamine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, tetracycline
• captopril
• delavirdine
• gabapentin
• iron supplements
• medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole
• medicines for seizures like ethotoin and phenytoin
• mycophenolate
• quinidine
• rosuvastatin
• sucralfate
• thyroid medicine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Do not treat yourself for stomach problems with this medicine for more than 2 weeks. See a doctor if you have black tarry stools, rectal bleeding, or if you feel unusually tired. Do not change to another antacid product without advice.

If you are taking other medicines, leave an interval of at least 2 hours before or after taking this medicine.

To help reduce constipation, drink several glasses of water a day.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• confusion or irritability
• headache
• loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting
• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation
• stomach gas

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.