Medication guide
Calcium Carbonate
- Generic name
- Calcium Carbonate
- Common brand names
- Tums, Rolaids
- Medication class
- Antacid
Overview
Its medication class is Antacid. Common uses include Heartburn and episodic indigestion. Product forms and labels can differ, so follow the specific package instructions and ask a pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional about individual questions.
How to Take it
- Route
- Oral antacid/anti-reflux product.
- Time of day
- Use after meals and at bedtime for reflux or heartburn; PPIs often before breakfast.
- With food/water
- Take with water; PPIs should be taken with water before first meal.
- Preparation
- Swallow tablets/capsules whole; do not exceed label antacid spacing with other meds.
- Safe dose
- Use lowest effective acid-relief dose.
- Max dose
- Adhere to OTC daily total for each ingredient class.
- Frequency
- 1–4 times/day depending active and symptom control.
- Other recommendations
- If symptoms continue >2 weeks or recur, seek clinician evaluation.
Common uses
- Heartburn and episodic indigestion
Common side effects
- Constipation
- bloating
- abdominal pain
- nausea
- and delayed stomach emptying
Important warnings
- Avoid in severe kidney disease, hypercalcemia, sarcoidosis, and conditions requiring fluid restriction unless supervised. Prolonged heavy use may cause metabolic alkalosis, kidney stones, and rebound acid hypersecretion. Not for chronic severe reflux without medical assessment. Avoid combining with thyroid hormones, iron, and certain antibiotics.
General interactions information
Reduces absorption of some antibiotics, thyroid hormone, and iron
Sources / references
- Calcium Carbonate — MedlinePlus
U.S. National Library of Medicine
These references offer further reading. A source link does not establish that a clinician has reviewed every statement in this guide.
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