Calcium Carbonate is a medicine that can be used in different doses to restore calcium in the body, when the needs of this mineral are increased, for the treatment of diseases or even to decrease the acidity of the stomach.
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. Treats diseases
This remedy can be used to treat calcium deficiency states such as hypocalcemia due to hypoparathyroidism, pseudohypoparathyroidism and vitamin D deficiency states. It is also used to aid in the correction of hyperphosphataemia and as a complement to the treatment of diseases such as osteomalacia secondary to vitamin D deficiency, rickets and postmenopausal and senile osteoporosis.
2. Restore calcium in the body
Calcium carbonate can also be used when calcium requirements are increased, such as in pregnancy, lactation or in growing children.
3. It 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, because one of its side effects is constipation, calcium carbonate is usually associated with another magnesium-based antacid, which, being slightly laxative, contravenes the obstructive effect of calcium carbonate.
How to use
The dose and duration of treatment depends on the problem being treated and should always be established by the physician.
Generally, for the correction of hyperphosphataemia, 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, the doses are much lower. Usually the recommended dose is 1 to 2 lozenges or sachets, which can range from about 100 to 500 mg, at meal times, 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 medication 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 medicine or any component of 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, an increase in calcium in the blood and urine may still occur.
