Caltrate Side Effects

Generic Name: calcium carbonate

Please note - some side effects for Caltrate may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

Side Effects of Caltrate - for the Consumer

Caltrate 600+D

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. No COMMON side effects have been reported with Caltrate 600+D. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Caltrate 600+D:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); loss of appetite; nausea; severe or persistent constipation; vomiting.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

Caltrate 600+D Plus

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. No COMMON side effects have been reported with Caltrate 600+D Plus. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Caltrate 600+D Plus:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

Side Effects by Body System - for Healthcare Professionals

Gastrointestinal

Rebound hyperacidity has been associated with calcium salt antacids. This side effect does not appear to be due to the acid buffering capacity of calcium carbonate, but is a consequence of a specific action of calcium on the parietal cell.

Rare cases of calcium carbonate gallstones have been reported in the pediatric literature.

Gastrointestinal side effects have included rebound hyperacidity, constipation (6% to 37%) and gallstones (rarely).

Metabolic

Prolonged ingestion of large amounts of calcium carbonate and other sources of exogenous calcium can rarely result in the "milk alkali syndrome" and calcinosis. The milk alkali syndrome is characterized by the triad of hypercalcemia, metabolic alkalosis, and renal insufficiency.

Metabolic side effects have rarely included hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia. Hypercalcemia may be more likely and more severe in patients with renal dysfunction. In patients on chronic dialysis, hypercalcemia may also result from excessive calcium in the dialysate, vitamin D intoxication, or severe secondary hyperparathyroidism. Other metabolic side effects have rarely included "mild alkali syndrome", calcinosis, and irreversible renal damage.

Renal

Renal side effects have included renal failure, formation of renal calcium and a single case report of a calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate-filled renal cyst.

The renal failure that accompanies hypercalcemia and alkalosis in the milk alkali syndrome is usually transient.

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