Calcium Carbonate Powder

Oral calcium supplementation for hypocalcemia; phosphate binder in renal disease; antacid. Calcium supplement and antacid. Mechanism: provides elemental calcium (40% by weight) for supplementation of deficiencies. As an antacid, neutralizes gastric HCl. As a phosphate binder (in renal disease), binds dietary phosphate in the GI tract preventing absorption. Poorly absorbed without adequate gastric acid. Key information Oral calcium/phosphate binder supplement. Store at room temperature. Administer with feed. Monitor serum calcium. Constipation possible.

Oral tablets or powder: Administer orally. May be given with food to improve compliance and reduce GI upset. or mix into feed. Administer with food to reduce GI adverse effects. Administer separately from tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, and bisphosphonates (chelation reduces their absorption). Store at room temperature; protect from light. If a dose is missed Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you forget a day, simply resume the normal schedule the next day. Missing an occasional dose of this supplement is unlikely to cause harm.

GI: constipation, flatulence, belching, nausea. Hypercalcemia with excessive supplementation: muscle weakness, polyuria, calcium nephrolithiasis, soft tissue mineralization. Metabolic alkalosis (antacid overuse). Drug interactions: may reduce absorption of fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, thyroid hormones.

For animals Monitor serum calcium with prolonged supplementation. Drug interaction: reduces absorption of tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, and bisphosphonates — separate by 2+ hours. Avoid in patients with hypercalcemia or urolithiasis. For people handling this medication Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Keep out of reach of children. If accidental ingestion occurs, contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Generally safe to handle. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. after use.

Contact your veterinarian. Oral calcium overdose causes constipation and hypercalcemia with chronic excess. Signs include weakness and kidney changes.