Category- Suppliments
Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1. To control high phosphate levels in chronic kidney failure patients on dialysis |
| Common Side Effects | 1. High calcium levels 2. Nausea 3. Vomiting 4. Constipation |
| Additional Information | To keep you safe and healthy, use this medicine only with your doctor’s guidance. |
| Storage | 1. The medicine should be stored at room temperature. 2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture. 3. Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | Take this medication orally with a sip of water. |
Calcium Acetate Uses
Calcium Acetate 667 mg is an oral phosphate binder that belongs to the minerals and electrolytes / phosphate binder’s category. It is used to treat high phosphate levels in chronic kidney failure patients on dialysis.
Calcium Acetate side effects
More Common
- High calcium levels
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
Less Common
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Itching
- Skin rash
- Allergic reaction
- Irregular heartbeat
Directions for use
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, regularly at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking medication without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take the medicine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next one, then just skip it.
How Calcium Acetate works
Calcium acetate is a phosphate binder. It works by binding with phosphorus from food in the stomach and intestines, so the phosphorus is not absorbed into the blood. This phosphorus is then removed from the body through the stool, which helps lower high phosphate levels in patients with kidney disease on dialysis.
Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking calcium acetate with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Interaction with Food Product
Calcium acetate should be taken after meals, because it works by binding phosphorus from the food you eat. It may not work properly if taken without food.
Storage
- The medicine should be stored at room temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep away from the reach of children
Intake routine/cycle
Daily dose
Take calcium acetate exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)
Calcium acetate
1 tablet/capsule of Calcium Acetate 667 mg provides about 169 mg elemental calcium.
Natural Source of Calcium
Calcium sources include milk, curd, cheese, paneer, yogurt, sesame seeds, ragi, almonds, tofu, spinach, and small fish with bones.
Calcium Acetate Summary
Calcium acetate 667 mg is an oral phosphate binder mainly used to treat high phosphorus levels (hyperphosphatemia) in patients with end-stage kidney disease who are on dialysis. It is not usually used as a routine calcium supplement. It works by binding phosphorus from food in the stomach and intestines, so less phosphorus is absorbed into the blood and more is removed in the stool. It should be taken with meals for best effect.
The common side effects include high calcium levels, nausea, vomiting, and constipation, while rare side effects may include weakness, confusion, itching, rash, allergic reaction, and irregular heartbeat if calcium becomes too high.
It should not be used in people with high calcium levels and should be used carefully in people taking digoxin, calcium supplements, or calcium-containing antacids. During pregnancy, it should be used only if advised by a doctor because safety data is limited. There is no standard RDA for calcium acetate, as it is a prescription medicine, but each 667 mg tablet/capsule provides about 169 mg elemental calcium.
FAQ’s
What are the uses of calcium acetate?
Calcium acetate tablet is a phosphate binder medicine used to lower high phosphorus levels in the blood in people with kidney disease who are on dialysis. It helps control hyperphosphatemia and reduces complications caused by excess phosphorus.
How does calcium acetate work?
Calcium acetate is a phosphate binder. It works by binding with phosphorus from food in the stomach and intestines, so the phosphorus is not absorbed into the blood. This phosphorus is then removed from the body through the stool, which helps lower high phosphate levels in patients with kidney disease on dialysis.
What are the side effects of calcium acetate?
Calcium acetate can commonly cause high calcium levels, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. In some people, it may also cause loss of appetite, weakness, dizziness, confusion, itching, skin rash, or allergic reaction. If calcium levels become too high, it can rarely lead to irregular heartbeat, which needs medical attention.
Reference
- Calcium Acetate (Oral Route) Description and Brand Names – Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayoclinic.org. 2021. Available from
- Calcium acetate [Internet]. go.drugbank.com. Available from
- Draft Guidance on Calcium Acetate [Internet]. [cited 2026 Mar 27]. Available from
Authors
Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.