- What is it for
- 1. Treat diseases
- 2. Replenishes calcium in the body
- 3. Is antacid
- How to use
- Who should not use
- Possible side effects
Calcium carbonate is a remedy that can be used in different doses to replace calcium in the body, for when the needs of this mineral are increased, for the treatment of diseases or even to reduce stomach acidity.
For each case, the doses used and the duration of treatment can be very different, and should always be recommended by the doctor.
What is it for
Calcium carbonate is indicated in the following situations:
1. Treat diseases
This remedy can be used for the treatment of calcium deficiency states such as hypocalcemia due to hypoparathyroidism, pseudohypoparathyroidism and vitamin D deficiency states. In addition, it is also used to assist in the correction of hyperphosphatemia and as a complement in the treatment of diseases as osteomalacia secondary to vitamin D deficiency, rickets and postmenopausal and senile osteoporosis.
2. Replenishes calcium in the body
Calcium carbonate can also be used when calcium needs are increased, as is the case with pregnancy, lactation or in growing children.
3. Is antacid
This medicine is also used as an antacid in the stomach in cases of heartburn, poor digestion or gastroesophageal reflux. For these situations, as one of its side effects is constipation, calcium carbonate is generally associated with another magnesium-based antacid, which because it is slightly laxative, counteracts the constipating effect of calcium carbonate.
How to use
The dose and duration of treatment depends on the problem to be treated, and must always be established by the doctor.
Generally, for the correction of hyperphosphatemia, the recommended dose is 5 to 13 g, which corresponds to 5 to 13 capsules per day, in divided doses and taken with meals. For the correction of hypocalcemia, the initially recommended dose is 2.5 to 5 g, which corresponds to 2 to 5 capsules, 3 times a day and then the dose should be reduced to about 1 to 3 capsules, 3 times per day.
In osteomalacia secondary to vitamin D deficiency, high doses of calcium are required in conjunction with other therapies. The recommended daily dose should be about 4 capsules, which correspond to 4 g of calcium carbonate, in divided doses. In osteoporosis, 1 to 2 capsules are recommended, 2 to 3 times a day.
When used as an antacid, doses are much lower. Usually the recommended dose is 1 to 2 lozenges or sachets, which can vary between about 100 to 500 mg, with meals, when necessary. In these cases, calcium carbonate is always associated with other antacids.
The dose of calcium carbonate prescribed to control serum phosphate varies from person to person.
Who should not use
This medicine is contraindicated for people with hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria with calcium lithiasis and tissue calcifications. In addition, it should also not be used by people who are hypersensitive to the drug or to any component present in the formula.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects that can occur with the use of calcium carbonate are constipation, gas, nausea, gastrointestinal irritation. In addition, there may also be an increase in calcium in the blood and urine.
