calcium carbonate Health Article

Generic name(s):

calcium carbonate

Brand name(s):

Alka-Mints, Alkets, Alkums, Amilac, Amitone, Cal Oys, Cal-Gest, Calcarb, Calci Mix, Calci-Chew, Calcitab, Caltrate, Caltro, Chooz, Dicarbosil, Equilet, Mylanta Child, Nephro Calci, OsCal 500, Oysco 500, Oyst Cal, Oyst Cal 500, Oyster Cal 500, Oyster Calcium, Oyster Shell, Oyster Shell Calcium 500, Rolaids Sodium Free, Super Calcium, Titralac, Tums, Tums 500, Tums E-X, Tums Ultra

What is the most important information I should know about calcium carbonate?

Do not take calcium carbonate or antacids containing calcium without first talking to your doctor if you take other medications. Calcium can decrease the effects of many other medicines by binding to them or by changing the acidity of the stomach or the urine. Take calcium with meals to increase its absorption by the body, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What is calcium carbonate?

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 can also bind to other minerals (such as phosphate) and aid in their removal from the body.

Calcium carbonate is used to prevent and to treat calcium deficiencies.

Calcium carbonate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking calcium carbonate?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you

• have had kidney stones;

• have parathyroid gland disease;

• take antacids or other calcium supplements; or

• take a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Sumycin, Achromycin V, and others), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox, Doxy, and others), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin, and others), or oxytetracycline (Terramycin, and others).

You may not be able to take calcium carbonate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions, or take any of the medications, listed above.

Talk to your doctor before taking calcium carbonate if you are pregnant. Talk to your doctor before taking calcium carbonate if you are breast-feeding.

How should I take calcium carbonate?

Take calcium carbonate exactly as directed by your doctor or follow the directions on the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Swallow the calcium carbonate tablets and capsules with a full glass of water.

Chew the chewable forms of calcium carbonate completely before swallowing.

Use the calcium carbonate powder as directed. Allow the powder to dissolve completely, then consume the mixture.

Shake the calcium carbonate suspension well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get the correct dose, use a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon to measure the liquid. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Take calcium with meals to increase its absorption by the body, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Store calcium carbonate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medicine unless your doctor directs otherwise.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a calcium overdose include nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, constipation, confusion, delirium, stupor, and coma.

What should I avoid while taking calcium carbonate?

If you take other medicines, do not take calcium carbonate without first talking to your doctor.