Calcium carbonate is a dietary supplement that is used for calcium deficiency.
It may also be used in certain conditions to help neutralise stomach acid.
Take Calcium carbonate exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine is available as a chewable tablet or as an oral suspension.
If you are taking a chewable tablet, the tablet should be chewed and not swallowed whole.
If you are taking an oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the dosage depending on your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- high calcium levels in the blood which may be caused by certain bone tumours, overactive parathyroid gland or excessive vitamin D in the body
- very high calcium levels in your urine
- kidney stones
- brittle bone disease or osteoporosis due to long term immobility
- severe kidney disease
as Calcium carbonate may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of kidney stones
- mild to moderate kidney disease
- achlorhydria (absence or low production of acid in the stomach)
- hypoparathyroid disease (low level of parathyroid hormones)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are on long-term treatment with this medicine, your doctor may need to perform blood tests to check the level of calcium in your blood and take a urine sample to monitor your kidney function. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Calcium carbonate may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, headache, constipation, stomach wind and dry mouth.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- antibiotics e.g. tetracycline, quinolones
- water pills e.g. hydrochlorothiazide
- medicines used to treat heart failure and irregular heartbeat e.g. digoxin
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Calcium carbonate.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid intake of fibre rich foods such as bran, foods high in oxalates such as spinach, beets, french fries and nuts or whole grain cereals. These foods may decrease calcium absorption.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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