Alkets
Generic Name: calcium carbonate (KAL see um CAR boe nate)
Brand Names: Alka-Mints, Alkets, Alkums, Amilac, Amitone, Cal Oys, Cal-Gest, Calcarb, Calci Mix, Calci-Chew, Calcitab, Caltrate, Caltro, Chooz, Dicarbosil, Equilet, Mylanta Child, Nephro Calci, OsCal 500, Oysco 500, Oyst Cal, Oyst Cal 500, Oyster Cal 500, Oyster Calcium, Oyster Shell, Oyster Shell Calcium 500, Rolaids Sodium Free, Super Calcium, Titralac, Tums, Tums 500, Tums E-X, Tums Ultra
What is Alkets (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 purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Alkets (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 Alkets (calcium carbonate)?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
-
have had kidney stones;
-
have parathyroid gland disease;
-
take antacids or other calcium supplements; or
-
take 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).
You may not be able to take calcium carbonate, or you may require a
dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions, or
take any of the medications, listed above.
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 Alkets (calcium carbonate)?
Take calcium carbonate exactly as directed by your doctor or follow the directions on the
package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to
explain them to you.
Swallow the calcium carbonate tablets and capsules with a full glass of water.
Chew the chewable forms of calcium carbonate completely before swallowing.
Use the calcium carbonate powder as directed. Allow the powder to dissolve completely,
then consume the mixture.
Shake the calcium carbonate suspension well before measuring a dose. To ensure that
you get the correct dose, use a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon to measure
the liquid. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get
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. However, if it is almost time for the next
dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double
dose of this medicine unless your doctor directs otherwise.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of a calcium overdose include nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite,
constipation, confusion, delirium, stupor, and coma.
What should I avoid while taking Alkets (calcium carbonate)?
If you take other medicines, do not take calcium carbonate without first talking to
your doctor.
Alkets (calcium carbonate) side effects
Stop taking calcium carbonate and seek emergency medical attention if you
experience a rare allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips,
tongue, or face; or hives).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take calcium
carbonate and notify your doctor if you experience
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Alkets (calcium carbonate)?
Before taking calcium carbonate, tell your doctor if you are taking
-
digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);
-
antacids containing calcium or aluminum;
-
another calcium supplement;
-
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).
You may not be able to take calcium carbonate, or you may require a
dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines
listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with calcium carbonate. Talk to your
doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines,
including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
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: 2.05. Revision Date: 2/24/06 9:21:51 AM.
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