Calcium Carbonate tablets
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What are calcium carbonate tablets?
CALCIUM CARBONATE (Titralac®, Tums®) is an antacid that neutralizes or reduces stomach acids. It relieves symptoms in patients with indigestion and heartburn. Calcium carbonate also can be used to prevent stomach bleeding in hospitalized patients or as a dietary calcium supplement. Generic calcium carbonate tablets are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• appendicitis
• constipation
• dehydration
• hemorrhoids
• high blood calcium levels
• kidney disease
• stomach bleeding or obstruction
How should I take this medicine?
Take calcium carbonate tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Chew well, or crush the tablets before swallowing; follow with a drink of water. Antacids are usually taken after meals and at bedtime. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.What drug(s) may interact with calcium carbonate?
• ammonium chloride
• antibiotics
• aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
• bisacodyl
• corticosteroid medicines such as prednisone
• gallium nitrate
• ketoconazole
• methenamine
• quinidine
• sodium bicarbonate
• sucralfate
• thiazide diuretics or 'water pills'
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking calcium carbonate?
Check with your prescriber or health care professional if calcium carbonate does not relieve your stomach pains; if you get black tarry stools; notice any rectal bleeding; or feel unusually tired. Do not change to another antacid product without advice.
Do not treat yourself for stomach problems with calcium carbonate for more than two weeks without consulting your prescriber or health care professional. A condition known as acid rebound can develop after the initial relief produced by calcium carbonate. Long-term use can make chronic stomach problems worse and is not recommended.
If you are taking other medications, leave an interval of at least 2 hours before or after dosing with calcium carbonate.
Drink several glasses of water a day. This will help to reduce possible constipation.
What side effects may I notice from taking calcium carbonate?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• changes in mental status
• drowsiness or dizziness
• loss of appetite
• headache
• nausea, vomiting
• weakness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• constipation
• stomach gas, flatulence or belching
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
