Calcium Antacid 750mg Chw Tablets
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To store this medication, keep it at room temperature in a dry location, avoiding storage in a bathroom.
If you miss a dose, remember that this medication is taken as needed. Do not take it more frequently than prescribed by your doctor.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Chew tablets thoroughly before swallowing for best results.
- Do not take the maximum dose for more than 2 weeks, unless directed by a doctor.
- Avoid foods and drinks that trigger heartburn (e.g., fatty foods, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, carbonated beverages).
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
- Do not lie down immediately after eating.
- Elevate the head of your bed if heartburn is worse at night.
- If using as a calcium supplement, take with food to enhance absorption.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Calcium Carb 1250mg/5ml Susp
- Calcium Chloride 10% Inj, 10ml
- Calcium Oyster Shell 500mg Tablets
- Calcium 500mg Tablets
- Calcium Acetate 667mg Capsules
- Calcium 600+d (400u) Tablets
- Calcium 600mg Tablets
- Calcium 600mg + D Tablets
- Calcium 500 W/vit D3 Tablets
- Calcium Citrate 250mg Tablets
- Calcium Antacid 500mg Chw Tablets
- Calcium Carb 500mg Chewtablets
- Calcium Acetate 667mg Tablets
- Calcium Carb 648mg Tablets
- Calcium 500mg W/ Vit D Chw Tablets
- Calcium Citrate W/ Vit D Tablets
- Calcium/d3 600mg-200iu Tablets
- Calcium 500mg Chewable Tablets
- Calcium Gluconate 10% Inj, 50ml
- Calcium Antacid 750mg Chw Tablets
- Calcium Citrate 200mg Tablets
- Calcium Citrate+d3 Tablets
- Calcium Gluconate 10% Inj, 10ml
- Calcium Glu/nacl 1gm/100ml Soln
- Cal Glu/nacl 2000mg/100ml Inj 100ml
- Cal Glu/nacl 1gm/50ml Inj, 50ml
- Calcium Gluc 100mg/ml Inj, 50ml
- Calcium Gluconate 10% Inj, 100ml
- Calcium Gluc 100mg/ml Inj, 100ml
- Calcium Gluc 100mg/ml Inj, 10ml
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor for advice:
Constipation
Important Note
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects not mentioned here. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe or persistent constipation
- Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting
- Unusual tiredness or muscle weakness
- Frequent urination or increased thirst
- Confusion or changes in mental status
- Abdominal pain that doesn't go away
- Symptoms of hypercalcemia (see above)
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
If you have elevated calcium levels in your blood.
This medication may interact with other health conditions or medications. To ensure safe treatment, provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of:
All prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications you are taking
Any natural products or vitamins you are using
* Your existing health problems
Before starting, stopping, or changing the dose of any medication, including this one, consult with your doctor to confirm it is safe to do so. This will help prevent potential interactions and ensure the best possible treatment outcome.
Precautions & Cautions
When taking this medication, be aware that it may interfere with the absorption of other oral medications. To minimize potential interactions, your doctor may advise you to take other oral drugs at a different time than this medication. Discuss your medication regimen with your doctor to determine the best schedule.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are currently breast-feeding, it is crucial to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication with your doctor. This conversation will help you understand the implications for both you and your baby, allowing you to make an informed decision about your treatment.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Severe constipation
- Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
- Muscle weakness, fatigue
- Headache
- Increased thirst and urination (polyuria, polydipsia)
- Confusion, stupor
- Bone pain
- Kidney stones
- In severe cases: cardiac arrhythmias, coma, kidney failure (milk-alkali syndrome if combined with high dairy intake)
What to Do:
Discontinue calcium carbonate. Seek immediate medical attention. For severe symptoms, call 911 or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Management may include hydration, loop diuretics, and in severe cases, calcitonin or bisphosphonates.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Cellulose sodium phosphate (risk of hypercalcemia)
- Thiazide diuretics (increased risk of hypercalcemia, especially with high calcium doses)
Major Interactions
- Tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline, minocycline): Calcium forms insoluble chelates, significantly reducing antibiotic absorption. Separate administration by at least 2-4 hours.
- Fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin): Calcium forms insoluble chelates, significantly reducing antibiotic absorption. Separate administration by at least 2-6 hours.
- Iron supplements (e.g., ferrous sulfate): Calcium can inhibit iron absorption. Separate administration by at least 2 hours.
- Thyroid hormones (e.g., levothyroxine): Calcium can bind to thyroid hormones, reducing absorption. Separate administration by at least 4 hours.
- Bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate, risedronate): Calcium can interfere with absorption. Separate administration by at least 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Phosphate binders (e.g., sevelamer, lanthanum): Concurrent use with calcium carbonate as a phosphate binder can lead to excessive calcium absorption and hypercalcemia.
Moderate Interactions
- Digoxin: Hypercalcemia can potentiate digoxin toxicity.
- Calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil, diltiazem): High calcium intake may theoretically reduce the effectiveness of calcium channel blockers.
- Phenytoin: Calcium can reduce phenytoin absorption.
- Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate): Risk of intestinal necrosis with sorbitol-containing calcium products.
- Vitamin D analogs (e.g., calcitriol): Increase calcium absorption, increasing hypercalcemia risk.
Minor Interactions
- Acid-suppressing agents (e.g., PPIs, H2 blockers): May reduce calcium carbonate dissolution and absorption if used for calcium supplementation, but not relevant for antacid effect.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: OTC product for symptomatic relief.
Timing: N/A
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Periodically (e.g., every 3-6 months) for chronic, high-dose use or in patients with renal impairment.
Target: 8.5-10.5 mg/dL (2.1-2.6 mmol/L)
Action Threshold: If calcium levels exceed upper limit of normal or patient develops symptoms of hypercalcemia, reduce dose or discontinue.
Frequency: Periodically for chronic, high-dose use or in patients with pre-existing renal impairment.
Target: Normal ranges
Action Threshold: Worsening renal function may indicate risk of hypercalcemia or milk-alkali syndrome.
Symptom Monitoring
- Constipation
- Rebound acid secretion (if used excessively)
- Symptoms of hypercalcemia (nausea, vomiting, constipation, polyuria, polydipsia, muscle weakness, fatigue, confusion)
- Symptoms of milk-alkali syndrome (hypercalcemia, metabolic alkalosis, renal impairment)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Generally considered safe for use during pregnancy for heartburn relief and calcium supplementation when used at recommended doses. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Considered safe for use during lactation. Calcium is a natural component of breast milk, and maternal use at recommended doses is unlikely to cause adverse effects in the infant.
Pediatric Use
Not recommended for children under 2 years without physician supervision. For children 2-11 years, use only under physician guidance. Dosing must be adjusted for age and weight. Risk of constipation and potential for hypercalcemia with excessive use.
Geriatric Use
Use with caution in elderly patients, as they may be more susceptible to constipation, hypercalcemia, and drug interactions due to age-related changes in renal function and polypharmacy. Start with lower doses and monitor for adverse effects.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Calcium carbonate is a fast-acting antacid but can cause rebound acid secretion with prolonged or excessive use.
- It is also a common calcium supplement; be mindful of total daily calcium intake from all sources (diet, supplements, antacids) to avoid hypercalcemia.
- Chewable tablets must be chewed thoroughly to ensure proper dissolution and effectiveness.
- Advise patients to separate calcium carbonate administration from other medications (especially antibiotics, iron, thyroid hormones) by at least 2-4 hours to prevent absorption interference.
- Constipation is a common side effect; advise adequate fluid intake and dietary fiber.
Alternative Therapies
- Other antacids (e.g., aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate)
- H2-receptor antagonists (e.g., famotidine, ranitidine - for longer-lasting acid reduction)
- Proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole, esomeprazole - for more potent and prolonged acid suppression)
- Alginic acid-containing products (e.g., Gaviscon - forms a raft to protect esophagus)