Drug Name

Calcium Carbonate

Drug Uses

Calcium is a mineral used to treat osteoporosis (bone loss), kidney stones, and menstrual cramps. It is also used as a vitamin supplement to increase bone mass and is used as an antacid (to treat stomach acid upset).

How Taken

Use Calcium Carbonate as directed by your doctor:

• If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label. Ask your pharmacist or health caregiver if you are not sure how much calcium you should take in one day.
• Most calcium supplements should be taken with food. Drink a full glass of water (8 ounces) with each dose, unless you are on kidney dialysis.
• If you need to take more than one dose each a day, take each dose at evenly spaced times, unless your doctor has told you otherwise.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Calcium Carbonate.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Calcium Carbonate supplies your body with calcium that your body needs to work properly.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Storage

Store Calcium Carbonate at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Calcium Carbonate out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Calcium Carbonate if you are allergic to any ingredient in Calcium Carbonate.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you are allergic to shellfish. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or have ever had kidney stones.

Some health problems can affect how much calcium you should take. Tell your doctor if you have stomach or digestion problems, such as on-going diarrhea, not absorbing nutrients properly, or not having enough acid in your stomach.

If you are using a large amount of calcium or using it for a long time, your doctor might need to check your blood on a regular basis. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• mild constipation, gas.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• breathing problems or tightness in your throat or chest; chest pain; skin hives, rash, or itchy or swollen skin.

More Information

If you are using this medicine as a phosphate binder for kidney dialysis, do not drink extra water with each dose.