What it is used for
- Lowering raised blood phosphate in advanced kidney failure or dialysis
- Providing calcium in a combination supplement when a doctor or pharmacist decides this salt is suitable
How it is used
- When used as a phosphate binder, take it with food as prescribed by the kidney team so it can bind meal phosphate
- Swallow tablets or capsules with water and do not crush them unless the leaflet allows
- Shake liquid well and measure it with the supplied device, not a household spoon
- Separate other medicines as the pharmacist directs because calcium can prevent their absorption
- Attend calcium, phosphate and parathyroid-hormone tests requested by the kidney team
Possible side effects
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation or abdominal pain
- High calcium causing thirst or frequent urination
- Weakness, confusion or abnormal heartbeat with severe high calcium
Who should not use it
- High blood calcium
- Allergy to calcium acetate or any ingredient
- Recurrent calcium stones or severe calcification without medical assessment
Before and while using it
- Marked thirst, vomiting, severe constipation or confusion can indicate high calcium and needs urgent testing
- Do not add calcium supplements, vitamin D or calcium-containing antacids without team approval
- Long-standing high calcium can calcify blood vessels and tissues, especially in kidney disease
- Palpitations or fainting needs urgent assessment, particularly with digoxin use
- Treatment must be adjusted from calcium and phosphate results, not symptoms alone
- Combination products can contain magnesium, vitamins or other salts with separate warnings
Medicine interactions
- It reduces absorption of tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones, which must be separated as the pharmacist directs
- It can reduce absorption of levothyroxine, iron and other oral medicines
- Vitamin D, calcium supplements and calcium-containing antacids increase high-calcium risk
- High calcium increases digoxin toxicity and abnormal-heartbeat risk
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- It can be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding when needed, but the doctor must determine the amount and monitor calcium and phosphate
How to store it
- Store as directed, protected from moisture and away from children, and close the liquid bottle securely
Get medical help straight away if
- Your face, lips or tongue swell, or you find it hard to breathe.
- You get a severe rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- A side effect worries you or doesn’t go away: contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions about this medicine?
Talk to a doctor by video, or send your question by text.
Source: Standard international medicine references
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without asking them, and always read the leaflet in the pack.