What is calcium carbonate?

Calcium Carbonate is a type of calcium supplement which is recommended to an individual if the amount of calcium consumed in the diet is consistently under the recommended amount.

Calcium’s role in the body is manifold and isn’t just about strengthening and developing bones. It helps build muscles, the nervous syste and the heart amongst other things. Calcium carbonate is also used as an antacid to relieve heartburn, indigestion or an upset stomach. You can buy it over the counter, or it can be prescribed by a doctor.

Calcium carbonate supplements come in four forms – tablet, chewable tablet, capsule ir in liquid form to be take orally.

Because the body can only absorb so much at any one time, calcium supplements have to be taken three or four times a day. However, the directions on how many to take and when will be issued on the side of the bottle.

It is important to take it as directed. Too little or too much can have consequences on the body, so it is important stick to the recommended dosage.

Calcium carbonate should always be taken with a meal.

If you have been prescribed chewable tablets, then make sure you chew them and not just swallow them whole. And a glass of water should be taken before and after the regular tablets, the chewable ones and the capsules.

Before taking calcium carbonate, there are a few things that you need to do to ensure they carry out the right job without interrupting anything else. These include:

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to calcium carbonate or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially digoxin (Lanoxin), etidronate (Didronel), phenytoin (Dilantin), tetracycline (Sumycin), and vitamins. Do not take calcium carbonate within 1-2 hours of taking other medicines. Calcium may decrease the effectiveness of the other medicine.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease or stomach conditions.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking calcium carbonate, call your doctor.