Generic Name: calcium carbonate (KAL see um KAR boe nate)
Brand names: Alka-Mints, Cal-Gest, Calcarb, Calci Mix, Calci-Chew, Calci-Mix, Calcium Concentrate, Calcium Liquid Softgel, Calcium Oyster Shell, Caltrate, Chooz, Extra Strength Mylanta Calci Tabs, Icar Prenatal Chewable Calcium, Maalox Antacid Barrier, Maalox Childrens', Maalox Quick Dissolve, Maalox Quick Dissolve Maximum Strength, Maalox Regular Strength, Mylanta Child, Nephro Calci, Os-Cal 500, Oysco 500, Oyst Cal 500, Oyster Cal, Oyster Calcium, Oyster Shell, Pepto Children's, Rolaids Sodium Free, Rolaids Soft Chew, Titralac, Tums, Tums 500, Tums E-X, Tums Kids, Tums QuikPak, Tums Ultra, ...show all 58 brand names.
What is calcium carbonate?
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 purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about calcium carbonate?
Do not take calcium carbonate or antacids that contain calcium without first asking your doctor if you also take other medicines. Calcium can make it harder for your body to absorb certain medicines. Calcium carbonate works best if you take it with food.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking calcium carbonate?
To make sure you can safely take calcium carbonate, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
a history of kidney stones; or
a parathyroid gland disorder.
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 a baby.
How should I take calcium carbonate?
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.
Calcium carbonate works best if you take it with food. Swallow the calcium carbonate tablet or capsule with a full glass of water.
The chewable tablet should be chewed before you swallow it.
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. Measure the liquid with a special dose-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. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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, vomiting, decreased appetite, constipation, confusion, delirium, stupor, and coma.
What should I avoid while taking calcium carbonate?
Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Calcium carbonate 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 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.
Calcium carbonate Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Osteoporosis:
2500 to 7500 mg/day orally in 2 to 4 divided doses.
Usual Adult Dose for Hypocalcemia:
900 to 2500 mg/day orally in 2 to 4 divided doses. This dose may be adjusted as needed to achieve a normal serum calcium level.
Usual Adult Dose for Dyspepsia:
300 to 8000 mg/day orally in 2 to 4 divided doses. This dose may be increased as needed and tolerated to decrease symptoms of stomach upset.
Maximum Dose: 5,500 to 7980 mg (depending on product used). Not to exceed maximum daily dosage for a period of greater than 2 weeks unless directed by a physician.
Usual Adult Dose for Duodenal Ulcer:
1250 to 3750 mg/day in 2 to 4 divided doses. This dose may be increased as needed and tolerated to decrease the abdominal discomfort. The major limiting factor to the chronic use of calcium carbonate is gastric hypersecretion and acid rebound.
Usual Adult Dose for Gastric Ulcer:
1250 to 3750 mg/day in 2 to 4 divided doses. This dose may be increased as needed and tolerated to decrease the abdominal discomfort. The major limiting factor to the chronic use of calcium carbonate is gastric hypersecretion and acid rebound.
Usual Adult Dose for Erosive Esophagitis:
1250 to 3750 mg/day orally in 2 to 4 divided doses. The potential for acid rebound could be detrimental. However, antacids have been frequently used in the management of erosive esophagitis and may be beneficial in decreasing the acidity of gastric contents.
Maximum Dose: 5,500 to 7980 mg (depending on product used). Not to exceed maximum daily dosage for a period of greater than 2 weeks unless directed by a physician.
Usual Adult Dose for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease:
1250 to 3750 mg/day orally in 2 to 4 divided doses. The potential for acid rebound could be detrimental. However, antacids have been frequently used in the management of erosive esophagitis and may be beneficial in decreasing the acidity of gastric contents.
Maximum Dose: 5,500 to 7980 mg (depending on product used). Not to exceed maximum daily dosage for a period of greater than 2 weeks unless directed by a physician.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Hypocalcemia:
Neonatal:
Hypocalcemia (dose depends on clinical condition and serum calcium level): Dose expressed in mg of elemental calcium: 50 to 150 mg/kg/day in 4 to 6 divided doses; not to exceed 1 g/day
Usual Dosage:
Antacid:
Children 2 to 5 years: Childrens Pepto, Mylanta (R) Childrens: 1 tablet (400 mg calcium carbonate) as symptoms occur; not to exceed 3 tablets/day
Children 6 to 11 years: Childrens Pepto, Mylanta (R) Childrens: 2 tablets (800 mg calcium carbonate) as symptoms occur; not to exceed 6 tablets/day
Children 11 years and older:
Tums (R), Tums (R) E-X: 2 to 4 tablets chewed as symptoms occur; not to exceed 15 tablets [Tums (R)] or 10 tablets [Tums (R) E-X] per day
Tums (R) Ultra: 2 to 3 tablets chewed as symptoms occur; not to exceed 7 tablets per day
Hypocalcemia (dose depends on clinical condition and serum calcium level): Dose expressed in mg of elemental calcium:
Children: 45 to 65 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses
Treatment of hyperphosphatemia in end-stage renal failure: Children and Adults: Dose expressed in mg of calcium carbonate: 1 g with each meal; increase as needed; range: 4 to 7 g/day
Hydrofluoric acid (HF) burns (HF concentration less than 20%): Topical: Various topical calcium preparations have been used anecdotally for treatment of dermal exposure to HF solutions; calcium carbonate at concentrations ranging from 2.5% to 33% has been used; a topical calcium carbonate preparation must be compounded.
What other drugs can affect calcium carbonate?
Calcium carbonate can make it harder for your body to absorb other medications you take by mouth. Tell your doctor if you are taking:
digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);
antacids or other calcium supplements;
calcitriol (Rocaltrol) or vitamin D supplements; or
doxycycline (Adoxa, Doryx, Oracea, Vibramycin), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin, Solodyn, Vectrin), or tetracycline (Brodspec, Panmycin, Sumycin, Tetracap).
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with calcium carbonate. 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 carbonate resources
- Calcium carbonate Side Effects (in more detail)
- Calcium carbonate Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Calcium carbonate Drug Interactions
- Calcium carbonate Support Group
- 4 Reviews for Calcium carbonate - Add your own review/rating
- Calcium Carbonate MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Titralac Consumer Overview
- Titralac MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Tums Chewable Tablets MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
Compare calcium carbonate with other medications
- Duodenal Ulcer
- Erosive Esophagitis
- GERD
- Hypocalcemia
- Indigestion
- Osteopenia
- Osteoporosis
- Stomach Ulcer
Where can I get more information?
- Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about calcium carbonate.
See also: calcium carbonate side effects (in more detail)
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