৳ 6/unit
Pack: ৳ 60
৳ 6/unit
Pack: ৳ 60
At a glance
Calcium Acetate is a phosphate binder used for the control of hyperphosphatemia in end stage renal disease (ESRD). It does not promote aluminum absorption. When taken with meals, it binds with dietary phosphate to form insoluble calcium phosphate which is excreted in the feces, thereby reducing serum phosphate levels.
Indications
- Control of hyperphosphatemia in end stage renal disease (ESRD)
Pharmacology
Calcium Acetate combines with dietary phosphate in the intestine to form insoluble calcium phosphate which is excreted in the feces, thereby reducing serum phosphate levels and secondary hyperparathyroidism.
Dosage
Adults (Dialysis patients): Initial dose: 2 tablets with each meal. The dosage may be increased gradually to bring serum phosphate below 6 mg/dL (as long as hypercalcemia does not develop). Most patients require 3-4 tablets with each meal.
Children: Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Elderly: Clinical studies showed no overall differences in safety or effectiveness between elderly and younger subjects.
Note: Start with a low dose and increase gradually with careful monitoring of serum calcium.
Side effects
Common side effects: Nausea, constipation, anorexia, vomiting.
Hypercalcemia (Ca >10.5 mg/dL): May be asymptomatic or manifest as constipation, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting.
Severe hypercalcemia (Ca >12 mg/dL): Associated with confusion, delirium, stupor, and coma.
Other: Arrhythmias, hypomagnesemia, hypophosphatemia, hypotension, pruritus (rare), weakness.
Isolated cases of pruritus have been reported which may represent allergic reactions.
Use in pregnancy
May be unsafe during pregnancy (Category C). Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. Maintenance of normal serum calcium levels is important for maternal and fetal well-being. Hypercalcemia during pregnancy may increase risk for maternal and neonatal complications (e.g., stillbirth, preterm delivery, neonatal hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism). Use only if clearly needed.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Precautions & warnings
- Excessive dosage induces hypercalcemia; serum calcium should be determined twice weekly during dose adjustment.
- If hypercalcemia develops, reduce the dose or discontinue treatment immediately depending on severity.
- Do not give to patients on digitalis (hypercalcemia may precipitate cardiac arrhythmias).
- Always start with a low dose and do not increase without careful monitoring of serum calcium.
- Patients should be informed about compliance with dosage instructions, diet adherence, and avoidance of nonprescription antacids.
- Patients should be informed about the symptoms of hypercalcemia.
- Caution/avoid in renal impairment, diseases associated with hypercalcemia (sarcoidosis, malignancies), and calcium renal calculi or history of renal calculi.
Overdose effects
Excessive dosage can cause severe hypercalcemia. Mild hypercalcemia is easily controlled by reducing the dose or temporarily discontinuing therapy. Severe hypercalcemia can be treated by acute hemodialysis and discontinuing Calcium Acetate therapy.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.