Calcium Acetate

Expert Advice

Dosage Forms Available

• Calcium Acetate is available for oral administration in the form of tablets and liquid solution.

Age and Dose Restrictions

• Calcium Acetate is recommended for adult patients and children above 6 years old.

Contraindications

• Calcium Acetate is contraindicated in patients with high blood calcium levels, known as hypercalcaemia. It should not be given to patients who are taking other calcium supplements or calcium-based antacids.

Other Medications to Avoid

• Calcium Acetate can interact with antibiotics from the tetracycline and fluoroquinolone classes (e.g., doxycycline, minocycline, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin). The administration of these medications should be separated from the Calcium Acetate dose by at least 1-3 hours.

• Blood levels of medications with a narrow therapeutic index should be monitored, and Vitamin D analogues may increase the risk of hypercalcaemia when taken with Calcium Acetate.

Overdose and Missed Dose

• An overdose of Calcium Acetate can lead to progressive hypercalcaemia, with symptoms such as confusion, fatigue, depression, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation and impaired kidney function. Treatment involves discontinuing the medication, restricting calcium intake, and managing the elevated serum calcium.

• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

• For gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea or vomiting, they are usually transient and can be managed by dose adjustment.

• Try to take your medication after a meal to help manage gastrointestinal side effects like nausea or vomiting.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• As Calcium Acetate does not generally affect the central nervous system, it does not impact the ability to drive or operate machinery.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• It is not known whether Calcium Acetate is excreted in human milk. Therefore, it should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the risk to the fetus. Caution should be exercised when administered to nursing women. Always consult with your doctor before using this medication in such situations.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Patients with end-stage renal disease need to exercise caution when taking this medicine. Serum calcium levels should be closely monitored and the dose adjusted if hypercalcaemia develops.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• To aid in controlling high blood phosphate levels, patients should adhere to a low phosphate diet.

• Avoid consuming calcium supplements or calcium-rich foods and drinks while taking this medicine.

• Regular check-ups with your doctor are recommended for monitoring phosphorus and calcium levels in your blood.

Frequently asked questions

Terms & Conditions