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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What does calcium carbonate look like?
Calcium Carbonate 1250 mg-ROX
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking calcium carbonate?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:
a history of kidney stones; or
a parathyroid gland disorder.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to take calcium
carbonate, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.
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.
How should I take calcium carbonate?
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or
for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Swallow the calcium carbonate tablet or capsule with a full glass of water.
Chew the chewable tablet completely before swallowing.
Use the calcium carbonate powder as directed. Allow the powder to dissolve completely, then
consume the mixture.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get
the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular
table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for 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.
What happens if I miss a dose of calcium carbonate?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait
until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not
take extra medicine
to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about calcium carbonate?
Your pharmacist has information about calcium carbonate written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of calcium carbonate?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Less serious side effects may include:
nausea or vomiting;
decreased appetite;
constipation;
dry mouth or increased thirst; or
urinating more than usual.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about 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.
What should I avoid while taking calcium carbonate?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while
you are using calcium carbonate.
What other drugs will affect calcium carbonate?
Calcium carbonate may interact with or make it harder for your body to absorb certain drugs.
Tell your doctor about all other medications you take, especially:
digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);
antacids or other calcium supplements;
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).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with
calcium carbonate. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications,
vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new
medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of calcium carbonate?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate,
up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does
not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist
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a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any
given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug
interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009