Calcium Carbonate capsules and tablets

What is this medicine?

CALCIUM CARBONATE (KAL see um KAR bon ate) is a calcium salt. It is used as an antacid to relieve the symptoms of indigestion and heartburn. It is also used to prevent osteoporosis, as a calcium supplement, and to treat high phosphate levels in patients with kidney disease.

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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-constipation
-dehydration
-high blood calcium levels
-kidney disease
-stomach bleeding, obstruction or ulcer
-an unusual or allergic reaction to calcium carbonate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

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Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the label. Antacids are usually taken after meals and at bedtime, or as directed by your doctor or health care professional. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be used in children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What if I miss a dose?

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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

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Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
-ammonium chloride
-methenamine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
-antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, tetracycline
-captopril
-delavirdine
-gabapentin
-iron supplements
-medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole
-medicines for seizures like ethotoin and phenytoin
-mycophenolate
-quinidine
-rosuvastatin
-sucralfate
-thyroid medicine

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

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Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Do not treat yourself for stomach problems with this medicine for more than 2 weeks. See a doctor if you have black tarry stools, rectal bleeding, or if you feel unusually tired. Do not change to another antacid product without advice.

If you are taking other medicines, leave an interval of at least 2 hours before or after taking this medicine.

To help reduce constipation, drink several glasses of water a day.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-confusion or irritability
-headache
-loss of appetite
-nausea, vomiting
-unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-constipation
-stomach gas

Where should I keep my medicine?

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Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.

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Lactation

Compatible - This drug is generally safe to take by nursing mothers.