Calcium carbonate overdose

Calcium carbonate is commonly found in antacids (for heartburn) and some dietary supplements. Calcium carbonate overdose occurs when someone takes more than the normal or recommended amount of a product containing this substance. This can be by accident or on purpose.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual overdose . DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual overdose. If you or someone you are with overdoses, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Poisonous Ingredient

Calcium carbonate can be dangerous in large amounts.

Where Found

Some products that contain calcium carbonate are certain:

• Antacids (Tums, Chooz)
• Mineral supplements
• Hand lotions
• Vitamin and mineral supplements

Other products may also contain calcium carbonate.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a calcium carbonate overdose include:

• Abdominal pain
• Bone pain
• Coma
• Confusion
• Constipation
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Irregular heartbeat
• Muscle twitching
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Home Care

Seek medical help right away. DO NOT make the person throw up unless poison control or a health care provider tells you to.

Before Calling Emergency

Have this information ready:

• Person's age, weight, and condition
• The name of the product (ingredients and strength, if known)
• When it was swallowed
• The amount swallowed

Poison Control

Your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

The health care provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Blood tests may be done. Symptoms will be treated. The person may receive:

• Activated charcoal
• Blood and urine tests
• Breathing support
• Chest x-ray
• EKG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing)
• Intravenous fluids (through a vein)
• Laxative
• Medicine to treat symptoms
• Tube through the mouth into the stomach to empty the stomach ( gastric lavage )

  Gastric lavage

  Gastric suction is a procedure to empty the contents of your stomach.

   

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Outlook (Prognosis)

Calcium carbonate is not very poisonous. Recovery is quite likely. But, long-term overuse is more serious than a single overdose, because it can cause kidney damage. Few people die from an antacid overdose.

Keep all medicines in child-proof bottles and out of the reach of children.