calcium acetate at a glance
Medicine class
Calcium-based phosphate binder
Licensed role
Raised blood phosphate associated with chronic renal insufficiency in adults undergoing dialysis
Administration
Take during or immediately after food; swallow the tablet whole with liquid and do not chew it
Monitoring
Regular blood calcium and phosphate measurements are required
What is calcium acetate used for?
Licensed use:
Treating hyperphosphataemia associated with chronic renal insufficiency in adults undergoing dialysis.
How does calcium acetate work?
In the gut, calcium released from calcium acetate binds phosphate from food and forms less-soluble salts. This reduces phosphate absorption into the bloodstream.
calcium acetate preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 475 mg, 950 mg
How to take calcium acetate
Follow the renal team's instructions because treatment is matched to food intake and blood results.
Take during or immediately after a meal.
Swallow the film-coated tablet whole with liquid; do not chew it.
Ask the renal team or pharmacist before adding calcium supplements or changing how the tablets are taken.
calcium acetate side effects
Get urgent medical advice
- Raised blood calcium, particularly after excessive intake; symptoms can include thirst, nausea, vomiting, constipation, weakness, drowsiness, confusion or abnormal heart rhythm.
- Soft-tissue calcification can occur after long-term use, often alongside raised blood calcium.
calcium acetate in pregnancy
Harmful effects from calcium during pregnancy have not been reported in the selected product information. Prescriber review remains important because combining calcium acetate with vitamin D can increase the risk of hypercalcaemia.
calcium acetate while breastfeeding
Harmful effects from calcium during breastfeeding have not been reported in the selected product information. The renal and maternity teams should review treatment because calcium and phosphate require monitoring.
calcium acetate interactions
Calcium acetate can bind medicines in the gut or alter their effects. Ask a pharmacist how interacting treatments should be separated or monitored.
Tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics
Their absorption may be reduced, potentially making treatment less effective.
Bisphosphonates and fluoride products
Their absorption may be reduced.
Anticholinergic medicines
Their absorption may be altered.
Vitamin D preparations or other calcium products
Common questions about calcium acetate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why must calcium acetate be taken with food?
It needs to be present in the gut with dietary phosphate so they can bind before the phosphate is absorbed.
Can the tablets be chewed?
No. The selected film-coated tablet must be swallowed whole with liquid.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.