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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Stop taking calcium carbonate and seek emergency medical attention if you experience a rare allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take calcium carbonate and notify your doctor if you experience

• nausea or vomiting;
• decreased appetite;
• constipation;
• dry mouth or increased thirst; or
• increased urination.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Before taking calcium carbonate, tell your doctor if you are taking

• digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);
• antacids containing calcium or aluminum;
• another calcium supplement;
• calcitriol (Rocaltrol) or vitamin D supplements; or
• 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 are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with calcium carbonate. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider may have more information about calcium carbonate.