Calcium Acetate
Uses of Calcium Acetate
Calcium Acetate is commonly used to treat Increased Phosphate Levels In Blood or Hyperphospatemia associated with chronic renal insufficiency.
How Calcium Acetate Works
Calcium Acetate forms an insoluble salt when reacting with phosphate in the gut. Therefore less phosphate will get absorbed leading to a lower concentration of phosphate in the bloodstream.
Side Effects of Calcium Acetate
Gastrointestinal irritation or GI upset, May lead to hypercalcemia
Warnings
Kidney Use With Care
Calcium Acetate should be avoided in patients with renal calculi or history of renal calculi. Use in medication with caution in patients with chronic renal disease, undergoing hemodialysis and disease associated with hypercalcemia such as malignancies and sarcoidosis.
Alcohol Not Advisable
Calcium Acetate binds to phosphate in food inhibiting them from being absorbed. Taking this medication with alcohol might interfere with the process. Therefore it is not recommended to take Calcium Acetate with alcohol.
Pregnancy Not Safe
There was no report shown that Calcium Acetate is harmful when taken during pregnancy. However, it may increase the risk of hypercalcemia especially if co-administered with Calcium Acetate. Limited data available on the pregnancy safety of Calcium Acetate in humans. The usage of this medication in pregnant women should only be administered when benefit outweighs the risk.
Driving Generally Safe
It is safe to drive while taking Calcium Acetate. However, you should drive only when you are feeling well.
Liver Limited Data
Calcium Acetate is safe to be used in the patient with liver problems.
Lactation Limited Data
No adequate studies have been conducted to determine the safety of Calcium Acetate in breastfeeding. This medication is distributed in breastmilk. Therefore, this medication should only be used in breastfeeding mothers only if the risk outweighs the benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by Dr Sri Viknarajan, MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)
Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
