Calcium Acetate

 
Generic Name: calcium acetate

Brands: Calphron, PhosLo, PhosLo Gelcap

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What is the most important information I should know about Calcium Acetate?

· Do not take Calcium Acetate or antacids containing calcium without first talking to your doctor if you take other medications. Aluminum 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.

 

What is Calcium Acetate?

· 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 Acetate is used to prevent or to treat a calcium deficiency.

· Calcium Acetate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Calcium Acetate?

· 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 including tetracycline (Sumycin, Achromycin V, Tetralan, and others), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox, Doryx, Doxy, and others), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin, and others), and oxytetracycline (Terramycin, and others).

· You may not be able to take Calcium Acetate, 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 Acetate if you are pregnant.

· Talk to your doctor before taking Calcium Acetate if you are breast-feeding.

 

How should I take Calcium Acetate?

· Take Calcium Acetate 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

· Swallow each dose with a full glass of water.

· Take calcium with meals to increase its absorption by the body, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

· Store Calcium Acetate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· 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.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· 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.

 

What should I avoid while taking Calcium Acetate?

· If you take other medicines, do not take Calcium Acetate without first talking to your doctor.

 

What are the possible side effects of Calcium Acetate?

· Stop taking Calcium Acetate 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 Acetate 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.

 

What other drugs will affect Calcium Acetate?

· Before taking Calcium Acetate, tell your doctor if you are taking     ·digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);     ·antacids containing calcium or aluminum;     ·other calcium supplements;     ·calcitriol (Rocaltrol) or vitamin D supplements; or     ·a tetracycline antibiotic including tetracycline (Sumycin, Achromycin V, Tetralan, and others), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox, Doryx, Doxy, and others), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin, and others), and oxytetracycline (Terramycin, and others).

· You may not be able to take Calcium Acetate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

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

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Calcium Acetate written for health professionals that you may read.

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