Calcium carbonate / magnesium carbonate Side Effects

For the Consumer

Applies to calcium carbonate / magnesium carbonate: tablets

Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation; diarrhea; stomach upset.

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

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to calcium carbonate / magnesium carbonate: oral suspension, oral tablet

Renal

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

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.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included rebound hyperacidity, constipation (6% to 37%) and gallstones (rarely) with chronic use of calcium carbonate.

Gastrointestinal side effects have included flatulence and diarrhea with frequent use of magnesium salts. Magnesium (Mg) toxicity has been associated with nausea (Mg levels of 4 to 5 mEq/L) and rare cases of paralytic ileus (Mg levels greater than 5 mEq/L).^[Ref]

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.^[Ref]

Not all side effects for calcium carbonate / magnesium carbonate may be reported. You should always consult a doctor or healthcare professional for medical advice. Side effects can be reported to the FDA here.

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