Calcium acetate

Generic name: Calcium Acetate

Usage of Calcium acetate

Calcium is a mineral that is needed for many functions of the body, especially bone formation and maintenance. Calcium can also bind to other minerals such as phosphate, and aid in their removal from the body.

Calcium acetate is used to control phosphate levels to keep them from getting too high in people with kidney failure who are on dialysis.

Calcium acetate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Calcium acetate side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic Reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Calcium acetate may cause serious side effects. Stop using calcium acetate and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • high levels of calcium in your blood--nausea, vomiting, constipation, increased thirst or urination, muscle weakness, bone pain, confusion, lack of energy, or tired feeling.

    • Common side effects of calcium acetate may include:

  • increased calcium in the blood
  • nausea; or
  • diarrhea.

    • This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

    Before taking Calcium acetate

    You should not use calcium acetate if you are allergic to it, or if you have high levels of calcium in your blood.

    Tell your doctor if:

  • your kidney disease gets worse; or
  • you also take digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin).

    • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether calcium acetate will harm an unborn baby, but having kidney failure or developing hypercalcemia during pregnancy may cause complications in the baby and the mother. The benefit of using calcium acetate during pregnancy may outweigh any risks..

    Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

    Calcium acetate is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

    How to use Calcium acetate

    Usual Adult Dose for Hyperphosphatemia:

    Initial dose: 1334 mg (2 tablets/capsules, or 10 mL), orally, with each mealMaintenance dose: 2001 to 2668 mg (3 to 4 tablets/capsules, or 15 to 20 mL) with each mealComments:-Titrate dose every 2 to 3 weeks until an acceptable serum phosphorous level is reached.Use: Reduce serum phosphorous levels in patients with end stage renal disease.

    Warnings

    You should not use calcium acetate if you have high levels of calcium in your blood.

    What other drugs will affect Calcium acetate

    If you take any of the following medicines, take them separately from your dose of calcium acetate:

  • A fluoroquinolone antibiotic: Take your calcium acetate dose 6 hours before or 2 hours after you take an antibiotic such as ciprOfloxacin, moxifloxacin, Levofloxacin, Cipro, or Levaquin.
  • A tetracycline antibiotic: Take your calcium acetate dose 1 hour before or 1 hour after you take an antibiotic such as doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline, Doryx, or Oracea.
  • Thyroid medication: Take your calcium acetate dose 4 hours before or 4 hours after you take the thyroid medicine.

    • Other drugs may affect calcium acetate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

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