Calcium carbonate is a drug to treat symptoms of excess stomach acid, such as: heartburn or heartburn. In addition, this drug can also be used in the treatment of high levels of phosphate in kidney failure and to prevent and treat calcium deficiency.
Calcium carbonate is also included in the antacid group. As an antacid, this drug works by lowering the acidity of the stomach. Although sold freely, you should first consult with your doctor before taking this drug.
Calcium carbonate trademark:Calos, Calporosis D 500, CDR, Day-Cal, Erphabone, Ulcer Gel, Tivera-V, Wellness Os-Cal
What is Calcium Carbonate
| group | Free medicine |
| Category | Mineral supplements or antacids |
| Benefit | Overcoming calcium deficiency or excess stomach acid |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Calcium carbonate for pregnant and lactating women | Kcategory C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Calcium carbonate can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets, caplets, chewable tablets, tablets efferfescent, suspension |
Warning Before Consuming Calcium Carbonate
Before taking this drug, you need to pay attention to the following:
- Do not use calcium carbonate if you are allergic to this medicine. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Consult the use of calcium carbonate with a doctor if you have or are suffering from kidney stones, kidney disease, cancer, high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia), or parathyroid gland disorders
- Consult calcium carbonate if you have phenylketonuria or another condition that requires you to limit your intake of aspartame or phenylalanine, as some calcium carbonate products may contain aspartame (artificial sweetener).
- Talk to your doctor before using calcium carbonate if you are taking medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Consult your doctor before taking calcium carbonate if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction or overdose after taking calcium carbonate.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Calcium Carbonate
The following are general doses of calcium carbonate based on the patient's condition and age:
Condition:Excess stomach acid
- Mature: 0.5–3 grams, when symptoms appear. The maximum dose is 8 grams per day with a treatment duration of up to 2 weeks.
- Children aged 2–5 years: 0.375–0.4 grams when symptoms occur. The maximum dose is 1.5 grams per day with a duration of treatment up to 2 weeks.
- Children ages 6–11 years: 0.75–0.8 grams when symptoms occur. The maximum dose is 3 grams per day with a treatment duration of up to 2 weeks.
- Children 12 years old: 0.5–3 grams when symptoms appear. The maximum dose is 7.5 grams per day with a duration of treatment up to 2 weeks.
Condition:Calcium deficiency (hypocalcemia)
- Mature: 0.5–4 grams per day, divided in 1-3 doses.
- Children aged 2–4 years: 0.75 grams, 2 times a day.
- Children aged 4 years: 0.75 grams, 3 times a day.
Condition: Excess phosphorus (hyperphosphatemia) in patients with chronic renal failure
- Mature: 3–7 grams per day divided into several doses.
How to Consume Calcium Carbonate Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the information listed on the medicine package before taking calcium carbonate. Do not reduce or increase the dose without consulting your doctor first.
If you are taking calcium carbonate chewable tablets, the tablets must be chewed first and not swallowed whole.
If you are taking calcium carbonate in suspension, shake the bottle before use. Use the measuring spoon provided in the medicine package for a more precise dose.
If you forget to take calcium carbonate, it is advisable to consume it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
If you are taking other medications, take at least 2 hours before or after taking calcium carbonate.
During treatment with calcium carbonate, especially long-term medication, your doctor may ask you to have regular blood or urine tests to monitor your kidney function.
Store calcium carbonate at room temperature and in a closed container so that it is not exposed to direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Calcium Carbonate Interaction with Other Drugs
The following are some drug interactions that can occur when calcium carbonate is used in combination with other drugs:
- Increased risk of hypercalcemia when used with thiazide diuretics
- Decreased absorption of thyroxine, bisphosphonates, sodium fluoride, iron, or quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics
- Increased effectiveness of the drug digoxin
- Decreased absorption of calcium carbonate in the body when used with corticosteroids
Calcium Carbonate Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that can occur after consuming calcium carbonate are:
- Bloated
- Constipation
- burp
- dry mouth
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Bone or muscle pain
- Confusion or mood swings
- Unusual tired
- Unusual weight loss
Consult a doctor if the above side effects do not subside or get worse. You should also see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction after taking calcium carbonate.