Drug Notes

Calcium acetate (By mouth)

Calcium Acetate (KAL-see-um AS-e-tate)

Reduces the amount of phosphorus in the blood.

Brand Name(s):

Calphron, Eliphos, PhosLo, Phoslyra

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Liquid, Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Take this medicine with food.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• Missed dose: If you have eaten a meal in the past hour, take the missed dose. If it has been more than 1 hour or if it is almost time for your next meal, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Throw away any unused oral liquid after 24 months.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some foods and medicines can affect how calcium acetate works. Tell your doctor if you are using digitalis, a vitamin D supplement, or other products containing maltitol
• Do not use an antacid unless you have talked with your doctor.
• Oral liquid:
  • Take levothyroxine at least 4 hours before or 4 hours after you take the oral liquid.
  • Take a quinolone antibiotic at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after you take the oral liquid.
  • Take a tetracycline antibiotic at least 1 hour before you take the oral liquid.
  • Take any other medicines at least 1 hour before or 3 hours after you take the oral liquid.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need help deciding the best times to take your other medicines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• This medicine can cause hypercalcemia (too much calcium in your blood). Do not take other calcium supplements or eat foods that have large amounts of calcium (such as milk, cheese, and yogurt) while you are taking this medicine.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Confusion
• Constipation, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017