Calcium carbonate 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.

Common uses

Calcium Carbonate is intended when treating such conditions as osteoporosis, kidney stones and menstrual spasms. The medicine may also be prescribed to contribute to the growth of the bone mass as well as stomach acidity remedy.

Before using

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.

Directions

Calcium carbonate comes as a tablet, chewable tablet, capsule, and liquid to take by mouth. It usually is taken three or four times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription or package label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take calcium carbonate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. When using this medicine as a dietary supplement, take it with food or following meals.
Chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly before being swallowed; do not swallow them whole. Drink a full glass of water after taking either the regular or chewable tablets or capsules. Some liquid forms of calcium carbonate must be shaken well before use.
Do not take calcium carbonate as an antacid for more than 2 weeks unless your doctor tells you to.

Cautions

• Calcium Carbonate may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Calcium Carbonate with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• If pain continues or you need to take this product for more than 14 days for heartburn symptoms, stop use and contact your doctor.
• You may need to make significant diet and lifestyle changes to help treat and prevent ulcers and other digestive problems, including stress-reduction programs, exercise, and diet changes.
• Lab tests, including liver function, kidney function, and complete blood count, may be performed while you use Calcium Carbonate. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Calcium Carbonate with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Calcium Carbonate should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 12 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Calcium Carbonate while you are pregnant. Calcium Carbonate is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking his medicine.

Possible side effects

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.

If you take too much

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.

Additional information

Do not drink after the medicine with the water in case you have directions to use the drug as the phosphate binder for kidney dialysis.

Drug interactions

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.