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calcium carbonate

Generic Tums
Used for Heartburn, Calcium Deficiency
Used for Heartburn, Calcium Deficiency

Calcium carbonate is an antacid. It's mainly used to relieve symptoms of acid reflux, such as heartburn and indigestion, for adults and children. Sometimes, providers might prescribe it as a supplement to prevent calcium deficiency. Calcium carbonate is available over the counter in several different formulations, including chewable tablets and oral solutions. Side effects from calcium carbonate are rare, but some people have reported constipation.

Last reviewed on November 8, 2023
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What is Calcium carbonate?

What is Calcium carbonate used for?

How Calcium carbonate works

Calcium carbonate is an antacid that neutralizes, or balances, the acid in your stomach to help relieve heartburn, indigestion, and upset stomach.

Are you looking for information on calcium acetate (Phoslo) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsTums, Pepto Kids
Drug ClassAntacid
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter

More on Calcium carbonate essentials

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What are the side effects of Calcium carbonate?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Other Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Passing gas
  • Dry mouth
  • Low appetite

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • High blood calcium levels: fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, bone pain, depression, confusion

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Calcium carbonate

thumbs-up

Pros

Works within minutes to treat heartburn symptoms

Chewable tablets come in many different flavors for better taste

Available as a lower-cost generic

Available over the counter

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Cons

Shouldn't be used for longer than 2 weeks without speaking to a healthcare provider

Not the best option if you have high levels of calcium in your body

Can raise the risk of kidney stones in some people

Might need to take multiple tablets several times throughout the day

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Calcium carbonate

pharmacist
  • Calcium carbonate can interact with several other medications. Share a list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications with your provider or pharmacist and ask if you can also take calcium carbonate. Most often, calcium carbonate needs to be separated from certain other medications by several hours.

    • If you're taking other vitamins or supplements, be sure to check the ingredients list of those products. Taking more than one product containing calcium can raise your risk for taking too much calcium, which can lead to more side effects, such as nausea and vomiting.

      • Calcium carbonate can raise the calcium levels in your body. If you have a condition that causes you to have high calcium levels, like cancer, kidney problems, or thyroid problems, ask your provider first if calcium carbonate is right for you.

        • Some calcium carbonate products contain sugar for better taste. If you have diabetes or you're trying to limit sugar from your diet, ask your pharmacist or provider about sugar-free antacid options.

          • Make sure to drink plenty of fluids while taking calcium carbonate. This can help relieve constipation and lower your risk of kidney stones from calcium carbonate.

            • If you're taking calcium carbonate for heartburn or stomach symptoms and your symptoms last for more than 2 weeks, stop taking it and contact your healthcare provider. You'll need to be examined to see if you have a more serious medical problem.

              • If you're taking the oral suspension, shake well before each dose. Then, use a medication dose cup or an oral syringe to measure your dose. Don't use household spoons because they might not be accurate and might cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacy to provide you with one if the product doesn't include it in its packaging or if you need extras.

                • Store calcium carbonate tablets and oral suspension at room temperature in a place out of reach from children at all times.

                  More on Calcium carbonate tips

                  faqs

                  Frequently asked questions about Calcium carbonate

                  How long does it take for calcium carbonate to work?
                  Calcium carbonate starts to work within minutes after a dose. The effects of the medication last for about 1 hour. You're recommended to take calcium carbonate when you start to feel heartburn or indigestion symptoms, or within an hour of a meal.
                  How many calcium carbonate can you take?
                  How many calcium carbonate tablets you can take daily depends on things like which strength you're taking, your age, and if you're pregnant. In general, maximum daily dose for calcium carbonate is about 7,500 mg per day for most adults. To be safe, make sure to read the recommended number of tablets per dose and the maximum dose on the manufacturer's label on your calcium carbonate product. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you're not sure what dose you should be taking.
                  Can you take calcium carbonate while pregnant?
                  Yes, you can take calcium carbonate during pregnancy to treat heartburn. But, know that the maximum daily dose of calcium carbonate is generally lower for pregnant females compared to other adults. If you're pregnant, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider how much calcium carbonate you can take per day.
                  Does calcium carbonate help with diarrhea?
                  No, calcium carbonate doesn't typically treat diarrhea. If you're having diarrhea, talk to your provider and they can help you figure out what might be causing your symptoms. If the diarrhea is caused by foods, your provider will recommend for you to avoid trigger foods and instead, stick to the BRAT diet. If appropriate, they might recommend over-the-counter diarrhea medications, like bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) or loperamide (Imodium A-D) to ease your symptoms. Be sure to drink enough water and fluids to stay hydrated.
                  Can kids take calcium carbonate?
                  Yes, there are specific calcium carbonate products for children ages 2 years and older. If your child's provider recommends that your child take calcium carbonate, make sure to look for a product for children. Your child's dose of calcium carbonate can depend on their age and body weight. In general, children ages 12 years and older (and weight more than 95 pounds) can take the adult dose. Read the label on your calcium carbonate product for specific directions.
                  Can you take calcium carbonate and Pepto Bismol together?
                  There aren't any known interactions between calcium carbonate and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol). If you have heartburn or other stomach issues, ask your provider if you can take calcium carbonate with bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol).
                  Can calcium carbonate be taken as a supplement?
                  Sometimes, providers might prescribe calcium carbonate as a supplement to prevent low calcium levels in your body. Our bodies need calcium to build strong and healthy bones. If you're not getting enough calcium from your diet, your healthcare provider might have you to take a calcium supplement. But for your safety, only take calcium carbonate as a supplement if your provider specifically instructed you to do so. Taking calcium carbonate when you don't need it can cause high levels of calcium (known as hypercalcemia), which can be dangerous.
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                  What are the risks and warnings for Calcium carbonate?

                  Calcium carbonate can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                  risk-warning

                  High blood calcium levels

                  • Risk factors: Conditions that cause high calcium levels | Taking other medications that raise calcium levels (e.g., lithium, theophylline, vitamin D, calcium supplements, thiazide diuretics)

                    Calcium carbonate can sometimes lead to high calcium levels in the blood, which can be serious. High levels of calcium can raise your risk of heart, blood vessel problems, and seizures. You're at risk of having very high calcium levels if you're taking calcium carbonate with other medications that raise calcium, such as (e.g., calcium supplements), certain diuretics ("water pills"), or other vitamin D products. Let your provider know if you notice any signs of high blood calcium levels, such as tiredness, problems thinking clearly, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and muscle weakness. You might need to have you blood calcium levels measured and receive treatment, if needed.

                    risk-warning

                    Interactions with other medications

                    Calcium carbonate can interact with many over-the-counter and prescription medications and supplements, such as iron, thyroid medications, certain antibiotics, and digoxin (Lanoxin). If you're taking other medications that interact with calcium carbonate, you might need to separate them by a few hours. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider if any of the medications you're taking interact with calcium carbonate and what you should do.

                    dosage

                    Calcium carbonate dosage forms

                    The average cost for 60 tablets of 600mg of Calcium carbonate is $3.64 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 8.94% off the average retail price of $4.00.
                    bottle of oral suspension
                    Bottle of oral suspension
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    500ml of 1250mg/5ml1 bottle$6.88$6.88
                    chewable tablet
                    Chewable tablet
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    500mg30 chewable tablets$2.84$0.09
                    750mg90 chewable tablets$4.28$0.05
                    tablet
                    Tablet
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    500mg30 tablets$3.01$0.10
                    600mg60 tablets$3.64$0.06
                    648mg60 tablets$3.04$0.05

                    Typical dosing for Calcium carbonate

                    There are several manufacturers, strengths, and formulations of calcium carbonate available. Each product might have different instructions and dose recommendations.

                    Follow the instructions on the package labeling or your provider’s directions. Some examples include:

                    More on Calcium carbonate dosage forms

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                    How much does Calcium carbonate cost?

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                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Calcium carbonate?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Calcium carbonate. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    Calcium carbonate
                    Used for:
                    $2.84 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Used for:
                    • Indigestion

                    • Heartburn

                    • Sour or upset stomach

                    $3.17 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Used for:
                    • Heartburn

                    • Indigestion

                    • Relief of sour stomach

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                    References

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