Nephro Calci

Generic Name: calcium carbonate (KAL see um CAR boe nate)Brand Names: Alka-Mints, Cal-Gest, Calcarb, Calci Mix, Calci-Chew, Calcium Concentrate, Calcium Liquid Softgel, Calcium Oyster Shell, Caltrate, Chooz, Extra Strength Mylanta Calci Tabs, Icar Prenatal Chewable Calcium, Maalox Antacid Barrier, Maalox Childrens', Maalox Quick Dissolve, Maalox Quick Dissolve Maximum Strength, Maalox Regular Strength, Mylanta Child, Nephro Calci, Os-Cal 500, Oysco 500, Oyst Cal 500, Oyster Cal, Oyster Calcium, Oyster Shell, Pepto Children's, Rolaids Sodium Free, Rolaids Soft Chew, Tums, Tums 500, Tums E-X, Tums Ultra

What is Nephro Calci (calcium carbonate)?

Calcium is a mineral that is found naturally in foods. Calcium is necessary for many normal 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 carbonate is used to prevent and to treat calcium deficiencies.

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

What is the most important information I should know about Nephro Calci (calcium carbonate)?Do not take calcium carbonate or antacids containing calcium without first talking to your doctor if you take other medications. Calcium can decrease the effects of many other medicines by binding to them or by changing the acidity of the stomach or the urine. Take calcium with meals to increase its absorption by the body, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Nephro Calci (calcium carbonate)?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

• a history of kidney stones; or

• a parathyroid gland disorder.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to take calcium carbonate, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Talk to your doctor before taking calcium carbonate if you are pregnant. Talk to your doctor before taking calcium carbonate if you are breast-feeding.

How should I take Nephro Calci (calcium carbonate)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Swallow the calcium carbonate tablet or capsule with a full glass of water.

Chew the chewable tablet completely before swallowing.

Use the calcium carbonate powder as directed. Allow the powder to dissolve completely, then consume the mixture.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Take calcium with meals to increase its absorption by the body, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Store calcium carbonate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, constipation, confusion, delirium, stupor, and coma.

What should I avoid while taking Nephro Calci (calcium carbonate)?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using calcium carbonate.

Nephro Calci (calcium carbonate) side effects

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

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea or vomiting;

• decreased appetite;

• constipation;

• dry mouth or increased thirst; or

• urinating more than usual.

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.

What other drugs will affect Nephro Calci (calcium carbonate)?

Calcium carbonate may interact with or make it harder for your body to absorb certain drugs. Tell your doctor about all other medications you take, especially:

• digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);

• antacids or other calcium supplements;

• calcitriol (Rocaltrol) or vitamin D supplements; or

• a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Sumycin, Achromycin V, and others), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox, Doxy, and others), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin, and others), or oxytetracycline (Terramycin, and others).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with calcium carbonate. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider may have more information about calcium carbonate.

• Consultation with a licensed health care professional is advisable before using any herbal/health supplement. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous. Remember, keep this and all other prescription drug products, over-the-counter drug products, and herbal/health supplements out of the reach of children.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.02. Revision Date: 4/12/2009 4:37:27 PM.