Use of calcium carbonate in medicine

Calcium carbonate is a dietary supplement used when the amount of calcium in the diet is not enough. Calcium is needed by the body for healthy bones, muscles, the nervous system, and the heart. Calcium carbonate is also used as an antacid to relieve heartburn, and for upset stomach acid. It is available with or without a prescription. Calcium carbonate is sometimes prescribed for other conditions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. How should calcium carbonate be used in medicine? Calcium carbonate in medicine comes as a tablet, chewable tablet, capsule, and liquid to take by mouth. It is usually taken three or four times daily. Follow the directions on your prescription label or package carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take calcium carbonate in medicine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it, or more than your doctor has prescribed. When using this medicine as a dietary supplement, take it with food. Chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing. Do not swallow them whole. Drink a full glass of water after taking the regular or chewable tablet or capsule. Some forms of calcium carbonate in medicine should be shaken well before use. Do not take calcium carbonate as an antacid for more than 2 weeks unless your doctor tells you to. What special precautions should you take? Before taking calcium carbonate, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to calcium carbonate in medicine or any other medications. Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially digoxin (Lanoxin), etidronate (Didronel), phenytoin (Dilantin), tetracycline (Sumycin), and vitamins. Do not take calcium carbonate in medicine within 1 to 2 hours of taking other medications. Calcium may decrease the effectiveness of other medications. Tell your doctor if you have kidney or stomach disease. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking calcium carbonate, call your doctor. What should I do if I miss a dose of calcium carbonate? If you are taking calcium carbonate on a regular schedule, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose. What are the side effects of calcium carbonate? Calcium carbonate may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these serious symptoms occur: Stomach upset Vomiting Heartburn Constipation Dry mouth Increased urination Loss of appetite How to store calcium carbonate Keep calcium carbonate in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). To ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot get hold of this medication, it should be kept out of the reach of the general public. However, this medication should not be poured down the drain. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medications is through a pharmacy return program. Talk to your pharmacist or call your local waste disposal/recycling department to find out about medication return programs in your community. It is important to keep all medications out of the reach of children because many containers (such as weekly pills and eye drop containers, creams, patch removers, and inhalers) can be easily opened by young children. To protect young children from poisoning, always keep the lids of medicine containers tightly closed and put the medicine away immediately in a safe place – preferably up high and out of sight and reach. Call 911 in case of overdose What other information should I know? If you have been prescribed calcium carbonate in medicine, discuss all the details of use and storage with your doctor. Do not let anyone else take your medicine. It is important to keep a written list of all the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as other products such as vitamins, minerals, or other nutritional supplements. You should bring this list with you every time you see a doctor or go to the hospital. Also, bring your personal information in case of an emergency.