calcium acetate

Generic Name: calcium acetate (KAL see um AH seh tate)

Brand names: Eliphos, PhosLo Gelcap, Phoslyra, PhosLo, Calphron

What is calcium acetate?

Calcium is a mineral that is needed for many 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 acetate is used to control phosphate levels to keep them from getting too high in people with kidney failure.

Calcium acetate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about calcium acetate?

Do not use this medication if you have high levels of calcium in your blood, or if you are also taking digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps). Do not take additional calcium supplements unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the specific type of antacid your doctor recommends. Many antacids contain calcium and you could be getting too much of this mineral if you take a calcium antacid with calcium acetate.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking calcium acetate?

Do not use this medication if you have high levels of calcium in your blood, or if you are also taking digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps).

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether calcium acetate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether calcium acetate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take calcium acetate?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take this medication with each meal, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

You may need to keep a food diary to measure how much calcium you are getting in your diet.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. You may also need x-rays to check for calcium deposits around your joints or other soft tissues. Visit your doctor regularly.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Calcium acetate dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, loss of appetite, dry mouth, increased thirst or urination, constipation, confusion, fainting, or coma.

What should I avoid while taking calcium acetate?

Do not take additional calcium supplements unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the specific type of antacid your doctor recommends. Many antacids contain calcium and you could be getting too much of this mineral if you take a calcium antacid with calcium acetate.

Calcium acetate side effects

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 are more likely to occur, such as:

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  nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;

  
  


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  constipation;

  
  


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  dry mouth or increased thirst; or

  
  


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  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.

Calcium acetate Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Hyperphosphatemia:

Initial: 1334 mg orally with each meal.

Maintenance: The dosage may be increased gradually to lower serum phosphorus levels to the target range, as long as hypercalcemia does not develop. Most patients require 3 to 4 gelcaps or 15 to 20 mL with each meal.

What other drugs will affect calcium acetate?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially an antibiotic such as:

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  ciprofloxacin (Cipro);

  
  


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  demeclocycline (Declomycin);

  
  


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  doxycycline (Doryx, Oracea, Periostat, Vibramycin);

  
  


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  gemifloxacin (Factive);

  
  


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  levofloxacin (Levaquin);

  
  


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  minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin, Solodyn);

  
  


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  moxifloxacin (Avelox);

  
  


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  norfloxacin (Noroxin);

  
  


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  ofloxacin (Floxin); or

  
  


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  tetracycline (Ala-Tet, Brodspec, Panmycin, Sumycin, Tetracap).

  
  

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with calcium acetate. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More calcium acetate resources

• Calcium acetate Side Effects (in more detail)
• Calcium acetate Dosage
• Calcium acetate Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Drug Images
• Calcium acetate Drug Interactions
• Calcium acetate Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Calcium acetate - Add your own review/rating

• calcium acetate Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Calcium Acetate MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Eliphos Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Phoslo Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Phoslyra Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Phoslyra Solution MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare calcium acetate with other medications

• Hyperphosphatemia

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about calcium acetate.

See also: calcium acetate side effects (in more detail)