calcium carbonate
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.
What is Calcium carbonate?
What is Calcium carbonate used for?
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Sour or upset stomach
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.
Drug facts
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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
Less Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Passing gas
- Dry mouth
- Low appetite
Calcium carbonate 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
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The following Calcium carbonate side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- High calcium level—increased thirst or amount of urine, nausea, vomiting, confusion, unusual weakness or fatigue, bone pain
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Burping
- Constipation
- Gas
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Pros and cons of Calcium carbonate
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
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 for Calcium carbonate
- Make sure to double check the medication label on your calcium carbonate product because there are several different calcium carbonate generic and branded Tums products. They contain different strengths and different directions.
- 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.
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Common questions about Calcium carbonate
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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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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.
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.
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.
Calcium carbonate dosage
Typical dosage 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:
-
Pepto Kids (calcium carbonate) 400 mg chewable tablets:
- Children ages 6 to under 12 years old (weighing 48 lbs to 95 lbs): The typical dose is to chew 2 tablets by mouth when symptoms begin. Don't take more than 6 tablets in a 24-hour period.
- Children ages 2 to under 6 years old (weighing 24 lbs to under 48 lbs): The typical dose is to chew 1 tablet by mouth when symptoms begin. Don't take more than 3 tablets in a 24-hour period.
- Children under 2 years old or weighing less than 24 lbs: Ask your child's provider.
-
Calcium carbonate (Tums) regular strength 500 mg chewable tablets:
- People ages 12 years and older: The typical dose is to chew 2 to 4 tablets by mouth when symptoms begin. Don't take more than 15 tablets (or 10 tablets if you're pregnant) in a 24-hour period.
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Calcium carbonate (Tums) extra strength 750 mg chewable tablets:
- People ages 12 years and older: The typical dose is to chew 2 to 4 tablets by mouth when symptoms begin. Don't take more than 10 tablets in a 24-hour period.
-
Calcium carbonate (Tums) ultra strength 1,000 mg chewable tablets:
- People ages 12 years and older: The typical dose is to chew 2 to 3 tablets by mouth when symptoms begin. Don't take more than 7 tablets (or 5 tablet if you're pregnant) in a 24-hour period.
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Calcium carbonate 1,250 mg/5 mL oral suspension (liquid)
- People ages 12 years and older: The typical dose is 5 mL (one teaspoonful) by mouth 2 to 3 times per day with meals, or as directed by your provider.
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How much does Calcium carbonate cost?
$2.78
What are alternatives to Calcium carbonate?
