(KAL see um KAR bun ate)
Antacid: For the relief of acid indigestion, heartburn, sour stomach, and GI upset associated with these symptoms
Calcium supplementation: For use as a dietary supplement when calcium intake may be inadequate (eg, osteoporosis, osteomalacia, hypocalcemic rickets) (IOM, 2011)
Hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation
Note: One gram of calcium carbonate is equal to 400 mg of elemental calcium.
Dosage is in terms of calcium carbonate except where noted; calcium carbonate generally provides approximately 40% elemental calcium:
Dietary Reference Intake for Calcium: Oral:
Adults, Females/Males: RDA:
19 to 50 years: 1,000 mg elemental calcium daily
≥51 years, females: 1,200 mg elemental calcium daily
51 to 70 years, males: 1,000 mg elemental calcium daily
Female: Pregnancy/Lactating: RDA: Requirements are the same as in nonpregnant or nonlactating females (IOM 2011)
Calcium supplementation: Oral: 500 mg to 4 g daily in 1 to 3 divided doses
Antacid: Oral: Generally, 1 to 4 tablets as symptoms occur; maximum: 8,000 mg daily for up to 2 weeks; OTC dosing recommendations may vary by product and/or manufacturer; specific product labeling should be consulted
Hyperphosphatemia in chronic kidney disease (off-label use): Total dose of elemental calcium (including dietary sources and calcium-based phosphate binders) should not exceed 2000 mg daily (Eknoyan 2003).
Dietary Reference Intake for Calcium:
Females: Refer to adult dosing.
Males ≤70 years: Refer to adult dosing.
Males >70 years: 1200 mg elemental calcium daily (IOM 2011)
All other indications: Refer to adult dosing.
Note: One gram of calcium carbonate is equal to 400 mg of elemental calcium.
Dosage is in terms of calcium carbonate, except where noted; calcium carbonate generally provides approximately 40% elemental calcium:
Dietary Reference Intake for Calcium: Oral:
0 to <6 months: Adequate intake: 200 mg elemental calcium daily
6 to 12 months: Adequate intake: 260 mg elemental calcium daily
1 to 3 years: RDA: 700 mg elemental calcium daily
4 to 8 years: RDA: 1,000 mg elemental calcium daily
9 to 18 years: RDA: 1,300 mg elemental calcium daily
Females: Pregnancy/Lactating: RDA: Requirements are the same as in nonpregnant or nonlactating females (IOM 2011).
Antacid: Oral:
Children 2 to 5 years (10.9 to 21.3 kg): 375 to 400 mg as symptoms occur; maximum: 1,500 mg daily for up to 2 weeks; OTC dosing recommendations may vary by product and/or manufacturer; specific product labeling should be consulted.
Children 6 to11 years ( ≥21.8 kg): 750 to 800 mg as symptoms occur; maximum: 3,000 mg daily for up to 2 weeks; OTC dosing recommendations may vary by product and/or manufacturer; specific product labeling should be consulted.
Children ≥12 years and Adolescents: 500 to 3,000 mg as symptoms occur for up to 2 weeks; maximum daily dose: 7,500 mg/day; OTC dosing recommendations may vary by product and/or manufacturer; specific product labeling should be consulted.
Calcium supplementation: Oral:
Children 2 to 4 years: 750 mg twice daily
Children ≥4 years and Adolescents: 750 mg 3 times daily
CrCl <25 mL/minute: Dosage adjustments may be necessary depending on the serum calcium levels.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturers labeling (has not been studied).
Oral: Administer with food.
Capsules may be swallowed whole or opened and the contents mixed with food or drink.
Take with food. Limit intake of bran, foods high in oxalates, or whole grain cereals which may decrease calcium absorption.
Some products may contain phenylalanine and/or sodium.
Store between 15 ‚ °C to 30 ‚ °C (59 ‚ °F to 86 ‚ °F). Protect oral suspension from freezing.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product
Capsule, Oral:
Calci-Mix: 1250 mg (elemental calcium 500 mg) [DSC]
Florical: 364 mg (elemental calcium 145 mg) and fluoride 3.75 mg
Powder, Oral:
Generic: Elemental calcium 800 mg/2 g (480 g)
Suspension, Oral:
Generic: 1250 mg (elemental calcium 500 mg) per 5 mL (5 mL, 473 mL, 500 mL)
Tablet, Oral:
Cal-Carb Forte: 1250 mg (elemental calcium 500 mg)
Calcarb 600: 1500 mg (elemental calcium 600 mg) [DSC] [scored]
Calcio del Mar: 1250 mg (elemental calcium 500 mg) [DSC]
Calcium 600: 1500 mg (elemental calcium 600 mg) [scored]
Calcium 600: 1500 mg (elemental calcium 600 mg) [contains fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake, soy polysaccarides]
Calcium High Potency: 1500 mg (elemental calcium 600 mg)
Caltrate 600: 1500 mg (elemental calcium 600 mg) [scored]
Florical: 364 mg (elemental calcium 145 mg) and fluoride 3.75 mg
Oysco 500: 1250 mg (elemental calcium 500 mg) [contains brilliant blue fcf (fd&c blue #1), tartrazine (fd&c yellow #5)]
Oyst-Cal: 1250 mg (elemental calcium 500 mg) [DSC]
Generic: 648 mg, 1250 mg (elemental calcium 500 mg), 1500 mg (elemental calcium 600 mg)
Tablet, Oral [preservative free]:
Calcium 600: 1500 mg (elemental calcium 600 mg) [lactose free, salt free, sugar free]
Generic: 1250 mg (elemental calcium 500 mg), 1500 mg (elemental calcium 600 mg)
Tablet Chewable, Oral:
Alcalak: 420 mg [mint flavor]
Antacid: 420 mg [mint flavor]
Antacid: 500 mg
Antacid: 500 mg [assorted fruit flavor]
Antacid: 500 mg [peppermint flavor]
Antacid: 500 mg [contains brilliant blue fcf (fd&c blue #1), fd&c yellow #10 (quinoline yellow), fd&c yellow #6 (sunset yellow)]
Antacid: 500 mg [contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, fd&c red #40 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #5 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]
Antacid Calcium: 500 mg [peppermint flavor]
Antacid Calcium: 500 mg [gluten free; peppermint flavor]
Antacid Calcium Extra Strength: 750 mg [contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, fd&c red #40 aluminum lake; assorted flavor]
Antacid Calcium Extra Strength: 750 mg [gluten free; contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, fd&c red #40 aluminum lake; assorted fruit flavor]
Antacid Extra Strength: 750 mg [contains brilliant blue fcf (fd&c blue #1), fd&c red #40]
Antacid Extra Strength: 750 mg [contains fd&c red #40, fd&c yellow #6 (sunset yellow), tartrazine (fd&c yellow #5)]
Cal-Gest Antacid: 500 mg [DSC] [contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]
Cal-Gest Antacid: 500 mg [contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake; assorted fruit flavor]
Cal-Mint: Elemental calcium 260 mg [animal products free, gelatin free, gluten free, lactose free, no artificial color(s), no artificial flavor(s), starch free, sugar free, yeast free]
Calci-Chew: 1250 mg (elemental calcium 500 mg) [cherry flavor]
Calcium Antacid: 500 mg [DSC] [assorted fruit flavor]
Calcium Antacid: 500 mg [DSC] [peppermint flavor]
Calcium Antacid: 500 mg [contains brilliant blue fcf (fd&c blue #1), fd&c red #40, fd&c yellow #10 (quinoline yellow), fd&c yellow #6 (sunset yellow)]
Calcium Antacid: 500 mg [contains brilliant blue fcf (fd&c blue #1), fd&c red #40, fd&c yellow #6 (sunset yellow), soybeans (glycine max), tartrazine (fd&c yellow #5); assorted flavor]
Calcium Antacid: 500 mg [contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake]
Calcium Antacid: 500 mg [contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake; assorted fruit flavor]
Calcium Antacid Extra Strength: 750 mg [DSC] [assorted fruit flavor]
Calcium Antacid Extra Strength: 750 mg [contains brilliant blue fcf (fd&c blue #1), fd&c red #40]
Calcium Antacid Extra Strength: 750 mg [contains brilliant blue fcf (fd&c blue #1), fd&c red #40, fd&c yellow #6 (sunset yellow), tartrazine (fd&c yellow #5); assorted flavor]
Calcium Antacid Extra Strength: 750 mg [DSC] [contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, fd&c red #40 aluminum lake]
Calcium Antacid Extra Strength: 750 mg [gluten free; contains brilliant blue fcf (fd&c blue #1), fd&c yellow #10 (quinoline yellow), fd&c yellow #6 (sunset yellow)]
Calcium Antacid Ultra Max St: 1000 mg [contains brilliant blue fcf (fd&c blue #1), fd&c red #40, fd&c yellow #6 (sunset yellow), soybeans (glycine max), tartrazine (fd&c yellow #5)]
Maalox: 600 mg [contains aspartame; wild berry flavor]
Maalox Childrens: 400 mg [contains aspartame; wild berry flavor]
Os-Cal: 1250 mg (elemental calcium 500 mg) [DSC]
Rolaids Extra Strength: 1177 mg [DSC] [contains fd&c red #40 aluminum lake, soybean lecithin]
Titralac: 420 mg [low sodium, sugar free; contains saccharin]
Tums: 500 mg [gluten free]
Tums: 500 mg [gluten free; contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, fd&c red #40 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake, tartrazine (fd&c yellow #5)]
Tums Chewy Delights: 1177 mg [contains fd&c red #40 aluminum lake, soybean lecithin; cherry flavor]
Tums E-X 750: 750 mg
Tums E-X 750: 750 mg [assorted flavor]
Tums E-X 750: 750 mg [gluten free; contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, fd&c red #40 aluminum lake; assorted berries flavor]
Tums E-X 750: 750 mg [gluten free; contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, fd&c red #40 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #5 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake; assorted fruit flavor]
Tums E-X 750: 750 mg [sugar free]
Tums Freshers: 500 mg [gluten free; contains brilliant blue fcf (fd&c blue #1); mint flavor]
Tums Freshers: 500 mg [kosher certified; contains brilliant blue fcf (fd&c blue #1), tartrazine (fd&c yellow #5); spearmint flavor]
Tums Kids: 750 mg [scored; contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, fd&c red #40 aluminum lake; cherry flavor]
Tums Lasting Effects: 500 mg [contains fd&c red #40 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake, tartrazine (fd&c yellow #5)]
Tums Smoothies: 750 mg [DSC]
Tums Smoothies: 750 mg [peppermint flavor]
Tums Smoothies: 750 mg [contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, fd&c red #40 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake, soybeans (glycine max); assorted tropical fruit flavor]
Tums Smoothies: 750 mg [contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, fd&c red #40 aluminum lake, soybeans (glycine max); berry flavor]
Tums Smoothies: 750 mg [gluten free; contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, fd&c red #40 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #5 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake, milk (cow)]
Tums Ultra 1000: 1000 mg [peppermint flavor]
Tums Ultra 1000: 1000 mg [contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, fd&c red #40 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #5 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake; assorted berries flavor]
Tums Ultra 1000: 1000 mg [contains fd&c red #40 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake, tartrazine (fd&c yellow #5); assorted tropical fruit flavor]
Tums Ultra 1000: 1000 mg [DSC] [gluten free]
Tums Ultra 1000: 1000 mg [gluten free; contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, fd&c red #40 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake, tartrazine (fd&c yellow #5)]
Generic: 500 mg, 750 mg, Elemental calcium 260 mg
Allopurinol: Antacids may decrease the absorption of Allopurinol. Consider therapy modification
Alpha-Lipoic Acid: Calcium Salts may decrease the absorption of Alpha-Lipoic Acid. Alpha-Lipoic Acid may decrease the absorption of Calcium Salts. Consider therapy modification
Amphetamines: Antacids may decrease the excretion of Amphetamines. Monitor therapy
Antipsychotic Agents (Phenothiazines): Antacids may decrease the absorption of Antipsychotic Agents (Phenothiazines). Monitor therapy
Atazanavir: Antacids may decrease the absorption of Atazanavir. Consider therapy modification
Bisacodyl: Antacids may diminish the therapeutic effect of Bisacodyl. Antacids may cause the delayed-release bisacodyl tablets to release drug prior to reaching the large intestine. Gastric irritation and/or cramps may occur. Consider therapy modification
Bismuth Subcitrate: Antacids may diminish the therapeutic effect of Bismuth Subcitrate. Management: Avoid administration of antacids within 30 minutes of bismuth subcitrate (tripotassium bismuth dicitrate) administration. Consider therapy modification
Bisphosphonate Derivatives: Calcium Salts may decrease the serum concentration of Bisphosphonate Derivatives. Management: Avoid administration of oral calcium supplements within: 2 hours before or after tiludronate/clodronate/etidronate; 60 minutes after oral ibandronate; or 30 minutes after alendronate/risedronate. Exceptions: Pamidronate; Zoledronic Acid. Consider therapy modification
Bisphosphonate Derivatives: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Bisphosphonate Derivatives. Management: Avoid administration of antacids containing polyvalent cations within: 2 hours before or after tiludronate/clodronate/etidronate; 60 minutes after oral ibandronate; or 30 minutes after alendronate/risedronate. Exceptions: Pamidronate; Zoledronic Acid. Consider therapy modification
Bosutinib: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Bosutinib. Management: Administer antacids more than 2 hours before or after bosutinib. Consider therapy modification
Calcium Acetate: Calcium Salts may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Calcium Acetate. Avoid combination
Calcium Channel Blockers: Calcium Salts may diminish the therapeutic effect of Calcium Channel Blockers. Monitor therapy
Calcium Polystyrene Sulfonate: Antacids may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Calcium Polystyrene Sulfonate. The combined use of these two agents may result in metabolic alkalosis and/or loss of efficacy of the cation exchange resin. Management: To minimize this interaction, consider: a)separating doses by 2 or more hours; b)rectal administration of the exchange resin; or c)alternatives to antacids. Monitor for metabolic alkalosis and attenuation of CPS effects. Avoid magnesium hydroxide. Consider therapy modification
Captopril: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Captopril. Monitor therapy
Cardiac Glycosides: Calcium Salts may enhance the arrhythmogenic effect of Cardiac Glycosides. Monitor therapy
Cefditoren: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Cefditoren. Management: Concomitant use of cefditoren with antacids is not recommended. Consider alternative methods to control acid reflux (eg, diet modification) or alternative antimicrobial therapy. If antacid therapy can not be avoided, separate dosing by several hours. Consider therapy modification
Cefpodoxime: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Cefpodoxime. Monitor therapy
Cefuroxime: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Cefuroxime. Management: Consider administering antacids and cefuroxime at least 2 hours apart. Consider therapy modification
Chloroquine: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Chloroquine. Management: Separate administration of antacids and chloroquine by at least 4 hours to minimize any potential negative impact of antacids on chloroquine bioavailability. Consider therapy modification
Corticosteroids (Oral): Antacids may decrease the bioavailability of Corticosteroids (Oral). Management: Consider separating doses by 2 or more hours. Budesonide enteric coated tablets could dissolve prematurely if given with drugs that lower gastric acid, with unknown impact on budesonide therapeutic effects. Consider therapy modification
Cysteamine (Systemic): Antacids may diminish the therapeutic effect of Cysteamine (Systemic). Monitor therapy
Dabigatran Etexilate: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Dabigatran Etexilate. Management: Dabigatran etexilate Canadian product labeling recommends avoiding concomitant use with antacids for 24 hours after surgery. In other situations, administer dabigatran etexilate 2 hours prior to antacids. Monitor clinical response to dabigatran therapy. Consider therapy modification
Dabrafenib: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Dabrafenib. Monitor therapy
Dasatinib: Antacids may decrease the absorption of Dasatinib. Consider therapy modification
Deferiprone: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Deferiprone. Management: Separate administration of deferiprone and oral medications or supplements that contain polyvalent cations by at least 4 hours. Consider therapy modification
Deferiprone: Calcium Salts may decrease the serum concentration of Deferiprone. Management: Separate administration of deferiprone and oral medications or supplements that contain polyvalent cations by at least 4 hours. Consider therapy modification
Delavirdine: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Delavirdine. Management: Separate doses of delavirdine and antacids by at least 1 hour. Monitor for decreased delavirdine therapeutic effects with this combination. Consider therapy modification
Dexmethylphenidate: Antacids may increase the absorption of Dexmethylphenidate. Specifically, antacids may interfere with the normal release of drug from the extended-release capsules (Focalin XR brand), which could result in both increased absorption (early) and decreased delayed absorption. Monitor therapy
Diacerein: Antacids may decrease the absorption of Diacerein. Monitor therapy
DOBUTamine: Calcium Salts may diminish the therapeutic effect of DOBUTamine. Monitor therapy
Dolutegravir: Calcium Salts may decrease the serum concentration of Dolutegravir. Management: Administer dolutegravir at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after oral calcium. Alternatively, dolutegravir and oral calcium can be taken together with food. Consider therapy modification
Eltrombopag: Calcium Salts may decrease the serum concentration of Eltrombopag. Management: Administer eltrombopag at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after oral administration of any calcium-containing product. Consider therapy modification
Elvitegravir: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Elvitegravir. Management: Separate administration of antacids and elvitegravir-containing products by at least 2 hours in order to minimize the risk for an interaction. Consider therapy modification
Erlotinib: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Erlotinib. Management: Separate the administration of erlotinib and any antacid by several hours in order to minimize the risk of a significant interaction. Consider therapy modification
Estramustine: Calcium Salts may decrease the absorption of Estramustine. Consider therapy modification
Fosinopril: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Fosinopril. Management: The US and Canadian fosinopril manufacturer labels recommend separating the doses of antacids and fosinopril by 2 hours. Consider therapy modification
Gabapentin: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Gabapentin. Management: Administer gabapentin at least 2 hours after antacid administration. Monitor patients closely for evidence of reduced response to gabapentin therapy when both of these drugs are being used. Consider therapy modification
Gefitinib: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Gefitinib. Management: Administer gefitinib at least 6 hours before or after administration of an antacid, and closely monitor clinical response to gefitinib. Consider therapy modification
HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors. Monitor therapy
Hyoscyamine: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Hyoscyamine. Management: Administer immediate release hyoscyamine before meals and antacids after meals when these agents are given in combination. Consider therapy modification
Iron Salts: Antacids may decrease the absorption of Iron Salts. Exceptions: Ferric Carboxymaltose; Ferric Citrate; Ferric Gluconate; Ferric Hydroxide Polymaltose Complex; Ferric Pyrophosphate Citrate; Ferumoxytol; Iron Dextran Complex; Iron Sucrose. Consider therapy modification
Isoniazid: Antacids may decrease the absorption of Isoniazid. Consider therapy modification
Itraconazole: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Itraconazole. Management: Administer itraconazole at least 1 hour after and 2 hours before administration of any antacids. Itraconazole oral suspension may be less sensitive to the effects of decreased gastric acidity. Consider therapy modification
Ketoconazole (Systemic): Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Ketoconazole (Systemic). Management: Administer oral ketoconazole at least 2 hours prior to use of any antacid product. Monitor patients closely for signs of inadequate clinical response to ketoconazole. Consider therapy modification
Ledipasvir: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Ledipasvir. Management: Separate the administration of ledipasvir and antacids by 4 hours. Consider therapy modification
Mesalamine: Antacids may diminish the therapeutic effect of Mesalamine. Antacid-mediated increases in gastrointestinal pH may cause the premature release of mesalamine from specific sustained-release mesalamine products. Management: Avoid concurrent administration of antacids with sustained-release mesalamine products. Separating antacid and mesalamine administration, and/or using lower antacid doses may be adequate means of avoiding this interaction. Consider therapy modification
Methenamine: Antacids may diminish the therapeutic effect of Methenamine. Consider therapy modification
Methylphenidate: Antacids may increase the absorption of Methylphenidate. Specifically, antacids may interfere with the normal release of drug from the extended-release capsules (Ritalin LA brand), which could result in both increased absorption (early) and decreased delayed absorption. Monitor therapy
Multivitamins/Fluoride (with ADE): May increase the serum concentration of Calcium Salts. Calcium Salts may decrease the serum concentration of Multivitamins/Fluoride (with ADE). More specifically, calcium salts may impair the absorption of fluoride. Management: Avoid eating or drinking dairy products or consuming vitamins or supplements with calcium salts one hour before or after of the administration of fluoride. Consider therapy modification
Multivitamins/Minerals (with ADEK, Folate, Iron): Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Multivitamins/Minerals (with ADEK, Folate, Iron). Specifically, antacids may decrease the absorption of orally administered iron. Management: Separate dosing of oral iron-containing multivitamin preparations and antacids by as much time as possible in order to minimize impact on therapeutic efficacy of the iron preparation. Consider therapy modification
Mycophenolate: Antacids may decrease the absorption of Mycophenolate. Management: Separate doses of mycophenolate and antacids by at least 2 hours. Monitor for reduced effects of mycophenolate if taken concomitant with antacids. Consider therapy modification
Nilotinib: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Nilotinib. Management: Separate the administration of nilotinib and any antacid by at least 2 hours whenever possible in order to minimize the risk of a significant interaction. Consider therapy modification
PAZOPanib: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of PAZOPanib. Management: Avoid the use of antacids in combination with pazopanib whenever possible. Separate doses by several hours if antacid treatment is considered necessary. The impact of dose separation has not been investigated. Consider therapy modification
PenicillAMINE: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of PenicillAMINE. Consider therapy modification
Phosphate Supplements: Antacids may decrease the absorption of Phosphate Supplements. Management: This applies only to oral phosphate administration. Separating administer of oral phosphate supplements from antacid administration by as long as possible may minimize the interaction. Exceptions: Sodium Glycerophosphate Pentahydrate. Consider therapy modification
Phosphate Supplements: Calcium Salts may decrease the absorption of Phosphate Supplements. Management: This applies only to oral phosphate and calcium administration. Administering oral phosphate supplements as far apart from the administration of an oral calcium salt as possible may be able to minimize the significance of the interaction. Exceptions: Sodium Glycerophosphate Pentahydrate. Consider therapy modification
Potassium Acid Phosphate: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Potassium Acid Phosphate. Management: Consider separating administration of antacids and oral potassium phosphate by at least 2 hours to decrease risk of a significant interaction. Consider therapy modification
QuiNIDine: Antacids may decrease the excretion of QuiNIDine. Monitor therapy
Quinolone Antibiotics: Antacids may decrease the absorption of Quinolone Antibiotics. Of concern only with oral administration of quinolones. Exceptions: LevoFLOXacin (Oral Inhalation). Consider therapy modification
Quinolone Antibiotics: Calcium Salts may decrease the absorption of Quinolone Antibiotics. Of concern only with oral administration of both agents. Exceptions: LevoFLOXacin (Oral Inhalation); Moxifloxacin (Systemic). Consider therapy modification
Rilpivirine: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Rilpivirine. Management: Administer antacids at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after rilpivirine. Consider therapy modification
Riociguat: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Riociguat. Management: Separate the administration of antacids and riociguat by at least 1 hour in order to minimize any potential interaction. Consider therapy modification
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate: Antacids may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate. The combined use of these two agents may result in metabolic alkalosis and/or loss of efficacy of the exchange resin. Management: To minimize this interaction, consider: a)separating doses by 2 or more hours; b)rectal administration of the exchange resin; or c)alternatives to antacids. Monitor for metabolic alkalosis and attenuation of SPS effects. Avoid magnesium hydroxide. Consider therapy modification
Sotalol: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Sotalol. Management: Avoid simultaneous administration of sotalol and antacids. Administer antacids 2 hours after sotalol. Consider therapy modification
Strontium Ranelate: Calcium Salts may decrease the serum concentration of Strontium Ranelate. Management: Separate administration of strontium ranelate and oral calcium salts by at least 2 hours in order to minimize this interaction. Consider therapy modification
Sulpiride: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Sulpiride. Management: Separate administration of antacids and sulpiride by at least 2 hours in order to minimize the impact of antacids on sulpiride absorption. Consider therapy modification
Tetracycline Derivatives: Antacids may decrease the absorption of Tetracycline Derivatives. Consider therapy modification
Tetracycline Derivatives: Calcium Salts may decrease the serum concentration of Tetracycline Derivatives. Management: If coadministration of oral calcium with oral tetracyclines can not be avoided, consider separating administration of each agent by several hours. Consider therapy modification
Thiazide and Thiazide-Like Diuretics: May decrease the excretion of Calcium Salts. Continued concomitant use can also result in metabolic alkalosis. Monitor therapy
Thyroid Products: Calcium Salts may diminish the therapeutic effect of Thyroid Products. Management: Separate the doses of the thyroid product and the oral calcium supplement by at least 4 hours. Consider therapy modification
Trientine: Antacids may decrease the absorption of Trientine. Management: Separate trientine dosing from other oral drugs (eg, antacids) by at least 1 hour. Monitor for decreased therapeutic effects of trientine if an antacid is initiated/dose increased, or increased effects if an antacid is discontinued/dose decreased. Consider therapy modification
Trientine: Calcium Salts may decrease the serum concentration of Trientine. Trientine may decrease the serum concentration of Calcium Salts. Consider therapy modification
Velpatasvir: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Velpatasvir. Management: Separate administration of velpatasvir and antacids by at least 4 hours. Consider therapy modification
Vitamin D Analogs: Calcium Salts may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Vitamin D Analogs. Monitor therapy
Monitor plasma calcium levels if using calcium as an electrolyte supplement for deficiency or as treatment of hyperphosphatemia.
Well tolerated
1% to 10%:
Central nervous system: Headache, laxative effect
Endocrine & metabolic: Hypercalcemia, hypophosphatemia, milk-alkali syndrome (with very high, chronic dosing and/or renal failure [headache, nausea, irritability, and weakness or alkalosis, hypercalcemia, renal impairment])
Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain, anorexia, constipation, flatulence, hyperacidity (acid rebound), nausea, vomiting, xerostomia
Concerns related to adverse effects:
- Gastrointestinal effects: Constipation, bloating, and gas are common with calcium supplements (especially carbonate salt) (IOM, 2011).
- Hypercalcemia: Chronic hypercalcemia may result in vascular calcification and other soft-tissue calcification (IOM, 2011).
Disease-related concerns:
- Achlorhydria: Calcium absorption is impaired in achlorhydria; administration is followed by increased gastric acid secretion within 2 hours of administration especially with high doses. Common in the elderly, use an alternate salt (eg, citrate) and administer with food (IOM, 2011; Recker, 1985).
- Hypoparathyroid disease: Hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria are most likely to occur in hypoparathyroid patients receiving high doses of vitamin D.
- Kidney stones (calcium-containing): Use caution when administering calcium supplements to patients with a history of kidney stones (IOM, 2011).
- Renal insufficiency: Use with caution as these patients are more sensitive or susceptible to the effects of excess calcium (IOM, 2011).
Concurrent drug therapy issues:
- Drug-drug interactions: Potentially significant interactions may exist, requiring dose or frequency adjustment, additional monitoring, and/or selection of alternative therapy. Consult drug interactions database for more detailed information.
- Vitamin D: It is recommended to concomitantly administer vitamin D for optimal calcium absorption when used for the treatment or prevention of conditions related to bone health (eg, osteoporosis).
Other warnings/precautions:
- Appropriate product selection: Multiple salt forms of calcium exist; close attention must be paid to the salt form when ordering and administering calcium; incorrect selection or substitution of one salt for another without proper dosage adjustment may result in serious over or under dosing.
Calcium crosses the placenta. Intestinal absorption of calcium increases during pregnancy. The amount of calcium reaching the fetus is determined by maternal physiological changes. Calcium requirements are the same in pregnant and nonpregnant females (IOM, 2011). Calcium-based antacids are considered low risk during pregnancy; excessive use should be avoided (Mahadevan, 2006).
As dietary supplement, used to prevent or treat negative calcium balance; in osteoporosis, it helps to prevent or decrease the rate of bone loss. Calcium is an integral component of the skeleton and also moderates nerve and muscle performance and allows normal cardiac function. Also used to treat hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic kidney disease by combining with dietary phosphate to form insoluble calcium phosphate, which is excreted in feces. Calcium salts as antacids neutralize gastric acidity resulting in increased gastric and duodenal bulb pH; they additionally inhibit proteolytic activity of pepsin if the pH is increased >4 and increase lower esophageal sphincter tone (IOM, 2011).
Minimal unless chronic, high doses; absorption predominantly in the duodenum and dependent on calcitriol and vitamin D; mean absorption of calcium intake varies with age (infants 60%, prepubertal children 28%, pubertal children 34%, adults 25%); during pregnancy, calcium absorption doubles; calcium is absorbed in soluble, ionized form; solubility of calcium is increased in an acid environment (IOM 2011); decreased absorption occurs in patients with achlorhydria, renal osteodystrophy, steatorrhea, or uremia
Primarily in bones, teeth (IOM, 2011)
Primarily feces (75%; as unabsorbed calcium); urine (22%) (IOM, 2011)
~40%, primarily to albumin (Wills 1971)
- Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)
- Have patient report immediately to prescriber severe constipation (HCAHPS).
- Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.
Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for healthcare professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience and judgment in diagnosing, treating and advising patients.