What is Calcium acetate?
Calcium is an essential mineral for the body. It is especially important for bone maintenance and formation. Calcium can also bind with other minerals, such as phosphate, and help remove them from the body. For people who have renal failure and are on dialysis, calcium acetate can be used to prevent phosphates from becoming too high. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of calcium acetate.
Side effects of Calcium acetate
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing or swelling of your face, lips or throat - seek medical assistance immediately
Calcium acetate may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- High levels of calcium are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, constipation, muscle pain, fatigue, and confusion.
Side effects of calcium acetate include:
- Increased calcium levels in the blood
- Nausea;
- Diarrhoea.
There may be other side effects. Need medical advice regarding side effects? Speak to your healthcare provider right away. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Aluminium hydroxide, phoslo, mphojel, and Phoslyra
Warnings
If you have high calcium levels in your blood, then you should avoid using calcium acetate.
Before you take this drug
If you are allergic or have high calcium levels in your blood, you should avoid using calcium acetate.
Tell your doctor if:
- Your kidney disease becomes worse.
- You can also take lanoxin (digitalis).
Inform your doctor that you are or will be pregnant. Although it is unknown whether calcium acetate can harm an unborn child, having kidney failure during pregnancy or developing hypercalcemia may cause complications for both the mother and baby. Calcium acetate may be beneficial to pregnant women, outweighing any possible risks. Inform your doctor if breastfeeding is a concern. Anyone younger than 18 is not allowed to use calcium acetate.
How to take calcium acetate?
Read and adhere to all instructions or guides included with your medication.Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as prescribed. Measuring liquid medicine is important. Use the provided dosing device or a dose-measuring tool (not a spoon). Take the capsule along with your meal. Keep a food journal to track how much calcium is in your diet. You may require frequent medical tests. Tests can be used to determine the effectiveness of calcium acetate, even if there are no symptoms. Store at room temperature and away from heat and moisture to extend its shelf life.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for hyperphosphatemia:
Initial dose: Orally, take 1334 mg (2 capsules/tablets or 10 ml) with each meal.
Maintenance dose: 2001-2668 mg (3-4 tablets/capsules or 15-20 ml), with each meal
Comments:
The dose should be increased every 2 to 3 weeks until the serum phosphorous levels are acceptable.
Reduce serum phosphorous in patients with end-stage renal disease.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect poison exposure and seek immediate medical advice or seek professional assistance immediately.
What should be avoided?
Take calcium supplements only if your doctor prescribes them. Use only the antacids that your doctor has prescribed. Some antacids contain calcium.
Interaction with other drug
Take calcium acetate separately if you are taking any of the following medications:
- A fluoroquinolone antibiotic: Take calcium acetate 6 hours before, or 2 hours after, taking an antibiotic, such as Cipro, Moxifloxacin, or Levaquin.
- Take calcium acetate 1 hour before, or 1 hour after, taking an antibiotic, such as doxycycline or minocycline.
- Take calcium acetate 4 hours before taking thyroid medication or 4 hours after.
Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal products, may also affect calcium acetate. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you will begin or stop using.
