Calcium Acetate oral solution

What is this medicine?

CALCIUM ACETATE (KAL see um ASa tate) oral solution is a calcium salt. To works to bind phosphate in the digestive tract. The medicine is used to treat high levels of phosphate in patients with chronic renal failure.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take this medicine with meals. If you take medicine for your thyroid, take the thyroid medicine 4 hours before or 4 hours after you take this medicine. If you take a quinolone antibiotic, take the antibiotic 2 hours before or 6 hours after you take this medicine. If you take a tetracycline antibiotic, take the antibiotic at least 1 hour before this medicine. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often then directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• blood in the urine

• pain in the lower back or side

• pain when urinating

• symptoms of high calcium levels: thirst, severe or continued nausea or vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, fatigue, confusion, or difficulty in concentration

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• mild constipation

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• any calcium containing product including certain antacids and vitamin supplements

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• certain antibiotics called quinolones like ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin

• certain antibiotics called tetracyclines like doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline

• digoxin

• phenytoin

• sucralfate

• thyroid hormones like levothyroxine

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• high level of calcium in the blood

• history of kidney stones

• taking other medicines or products containing maltitol

• an unusual or allergic reaction to calcium, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medicine. Check with your doctor.

Do not take this medicine within 2 hours of any other medication taken by mouth.