Carnet

What It Is Used For

Calcium carbonate is a calcium supplement. It is used to prevent and treat low calcium, to support bone health in osteoporosis (often together with vitamin D), and to meet the extra calcium needs of pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is also used as an antacid for heartburn and, under a doctor's care, to control phosphate in kidney disease.

How to Take It

Take it with meals, as it is absorbed better with food. Chewable tablets should be chewed before swallowing. 1,250 mg of calcium carbonate gives 500 mg of calcium. If you need more than 500 mg of calcium a day, split it into two doses. Follow the dose on the pack or from your doctor.

Who Should Not Take It

Do not take it if you have high calcium in the blood or urine, calcium kidney stones, or severe kidney failure, unless your doctor has prescribed it.

Side Effects

Usually mild: constipation, wind and bloating. Too much calcium can cause nausea, vomiting, thirst, passing a lot of urine, muscle weakness or confusion; stop and see a doctor if this happens.

Precautions

Do not take more than the recommended dose. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, a history of kidney stones, or sarcoidosis.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Safe at recommended doses and often prescribed during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Interactions

Calcium can stop some medicines being absorbed. Take it at least 2 hours apart from tetracycline or doxycycline, ciprofloxacin and iron, and at least 4 hours apart from levothyroxine. Take alendronate and similar bone medicines first, at least 30 minutes before calcium. Water tablets of the thiazide type can raise calcium levels, and calcium can affect digoxin.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place with the lid closed, out of the reach of children.