Calcium carbonate is an antacid medication developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration for treating calcium deficiency.

Calcium carbonate provides the necessary building blocks for bone formation and maintenance. Calcium ions from the bloodstream are continuously deposited and withdrawn from the bones to maintain calcium balance.

Take the Calcium carbonate Tablet as advised by your physician. Do not chew or break the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.
 

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Calcium carbonate are headache, peripheral edema, dizziness, fatigue, constipation, and swelling particularly of the ankles and legs.

Avoid consuming this drug if you are allergic to Calcium carbonate or its other ingredients or have had difficulty breathing and skin rashes. This drug is generally not recommended if you have kidney stones or excessive amounts of calcium in your blood or urine. Talk to your physician if you have osteoporosis, cancer or are taking medicines for heart disorders before taking Calcium carbonate.

Excessive consumption of Calcium carbonate may lead to hypercalcemia, characterized by elevated levels of calcium in the blood. Symptoms of hypercalcemia may include fatigue, nausea, constipation, excessive thirst, and frequent urination, and in severe cases, it can even lead to confusion, muscle weakness, and cardiac abnormalities.

Ensure that you stay well-hydrated when taking calcium carbonate. Drinking enough water helps with its absorption and can prevent constipation, a common side effect of calcium supplementation. Try to obtain calcium from a balanced diet as well. Include calcium-rich foods like dairy products, leafy greens, almonds, and fortified foods.

1. Kyowa Kirin Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on June 2022] [Accessed on 5th- June- 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1295.pdf
2. Patient Information Leaflet- Calcium Carbonate. HPRA. Available at: https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/e10bdecd-bb14-44bb-9c05-0e3198789401.pdf [Accessed on 5th- June- 2023].
3. Bertram.G.Katzung, Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, Therapeutic & Toxic Potential of Over-the-Counter Agents, 14th edition, 2017, 1123, 1089.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.