This medication is used to treat symptoms caused by too
much stomach acid such as heartburn, upset stomach, or indigestion. It is
an antacid that works by lowering the amount of acid in the
stomach.
Check the ingredients on the label even if you have used
the product before. The manufacturer may have changed the ingredients.
Also, products with similar names may contain different ingredients meant
for different purposes. Taking the wrong product could harm
you.
This section contains uses of this drug that are not
listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be
prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition
that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your
health care professional.
This drug may also be used for low blood calcium levels
in people who do not get enough calcium from their diets.
Take this product by mouth as directed. For the chewable
form, chew the medication well before swallowing. For the liquid form,
shake the bottle well before each dose. Follow all directions on the
product package. Do not take more than the maximum recommended dose stated
on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
Do not take the maximum dose of the medication for more than 2 weeks unless
directed by your doctor. If you think you may have a serious medical
problem, get medical help right away.
Constipation, gas, and burping may occur. If any of
these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication,
remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater
than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not
have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- loss of appetite
- nausea/vomiting
- unusual weight loss
- bone/muscle pain
- mental/mood changes (such as confusion)
- headache
- increased thirst/urination
- unusual weakness/tiredness
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of
urine)
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking calcium carbonate, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as milk or dairy
products found in some brands), which can cause allergic reactions or other
problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
If you have any of the following health problems,
consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this
medication:
- high calcium levels (hypercalcemia)
- stomach/intestinal blockage
- kidney disease (such as kidney stones)
Some products may contain aspartame. If you have
phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to restrict
your intake of aspartame (or phenylalanine), consult your doctor or
pharmacist about using this drug safely.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this
medication.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your
doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Antacids can interfere with the absorption of many other
drugs. Be sure to check with your pharmacist before taking antacids with
any other medication.
Check the labels on all your prescription and
nonprescription/herbal products (such as supplements, vitamins) because
they may contain calcium. Ask your pharmacist about using those products
safely.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include:
nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, mental/mood changes, headache, weakness,
dizziness.
Keep all medical and lab appointments.
Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs,
stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, and diet changes (such as avoiding
caffeine/certain spices) may help to reduce heartburn and other stomach
acid problems. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes
that might benefit you.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.