Calcium Carbonate



Alcalak [OTC]; Alka-Mints®[OTC]; Amitone®[OTC] [DSC]; Calcarb 600 [OTC]; Calci-Chew®[OTC]; Calci-Mix®[OTC]; Cal-Gest [OTC]; Cal-Mint [OTC]; Caltrate® 600 [OTC]; Children's Pepto [OTC]; Chooz®[OTC]; Florical®[OTC]; Maalox® Quick Dissolve[OTC]; Mylanta® Children's [OTC]; Nephro-Calci®[OTC]; Nutralox®[OTC]; Os-Cal® 500 [OTC]; Oysco 500 [OTC]; Oyst-Cal 500 [OTC]; Rolaids® Softchews [OTC]; Titralac™[OTC]; Titralac™ Extra Strength [OTC]; Tums®[OTC]; Tums® E-X [OTC]; Tums® Extra Strength Sugar Free [OTC]; Tums® Smoothies™[OTC]; Tums® Ultra [OTC]







Calcium Carbonate

(KAL see um KAR bun ate)

U.S. Brand Names
Alcalak [OTC]; Alka-Mints®[OTC]; Amitone®[OTC] [DSC]; Calcarb 600 [OTC]; Calci-Chew®[OTC]; Calci-Mix®[OTC]; Cal-Gest [OTC]; Cal-Mint [OTC]; Caltrate® 600 [OTC]; Children's Pepto [OTC]; Chooz®[OTC]; Florical®[OTC]; Maalox® Quick Dissolve[OTC]; Mylanta® Children's [OTC]; Nephro-Calci®[OTC]; Nutralox®[OTC]; Os-Cal® 500 [OTC]; Oysco 500 [OTC]; Oyst-Cal 500 [OTC]; Rolaids® Softchews [OTC]; Titralac™[OTC]; Titralac™ Extra Strength [OTC]; Tums®[OTC]; Tums® E-X [OTC]; Tums® Extra Strength Sugar Free [OTC]; Tums® Smoothies™[OTC]; Tums® Ultra [OTC]
Canadian Brand Names
Apo-Cal®; Calcite-500; Caltrate®; Caltrate® Select; Os-Cal®
Mexican Brand Names
Calsan®; Caltrate®; Osteomin®
Pharmacologic Category
Antacid; Antidote; Calcium Salt; Electrolyte Supplement, Oral
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to calcium or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: High calcium levels, kidney stones, or low phosphate levels.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to promote proper growth and good health.
  • This medicine is used to prevent or treat osteoporosis.
  • This medicine is used to decrease high phosphate levels.
  • This medicine is used to treat heartburn and indigestion.
  • This medicine is used to treat low calcium levels.
How does it work?
  • Antacids reduce stomach acid.
  • Calcium is a dietary supplement that helps the body make strong bones.
  • Calcium reduces absorption of phosphate through the gastrointestinal tract.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine 1 hour before or 2 hours after high bran or fiber meal.
  • Take this medicine with food.
  • Take 1 to 3 hours after meals as antacid.
  • Chewable tablet: Chew or crush well. Mix crushed tablet with food. Do not swallow whole.
  • A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.
  • Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
  • Osteoporosis:
  • Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Try to separate other medicines from this one by 2 hours. This medicine prevents absorption of many medicines.
  • Do not take iron, zinc, or folic acid within 2 hours of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect capsules and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: