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calcium acetate

V03AE07

Forms & Strengths

Oral capsule: 667 mg calcium acetate (containing 169 mg elemental calcium)
Oral tablet: 667 mg calcium acetate
Oral tablet, chewable: 667 mg calcium acetate
Oral solution: 667 mg/5 mL

Adult Dosing

Hyperphosphatemia in ESRD: Initial 2 capsules (667 mg each) per meal
Titrate dose to bring serum phosphorus to target range (usually 3.5-5.5 mg/dL), typically 2-4 capsules per meal
Maximum dose: As tolerated, monitor for hypercalcemia

Pediatric Dosing

Hyperphosphatemia in pediatric chronic kidney disease: Safety and efficacy not established in children
Off-label: Titrated individually based on serum phosphate and calcium levels under pediatric nephrology supervision

Indications

Reduction of serum phosphorus in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis

Mechanism of Action

Acts as a phosphate binder in the gastrointestinal tract
Combines with dietary phosphate to form insoluble calcium phosphate complex, which is excreted in the feces
Reduces dietary phosphorus absorption and lowers serum phosphorus and calcium-phosphorus product

Contraindications

Hypercalcemia
Hypophosphatemia
Known hypersensitivity to calcium acetate or excipients

Adverse Reactions

Hypercalcemia
Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation
Diarrhea
Pruritus
Metabolic alkalosis (with high doses)

Drug Interactions

Oral tetracyclines: Calcium binds to tetracyclines, decreasing their absorption (administer at least 1-3 hours apart)
Fluoroquinolones: Reduced absorption due to chelation (administer at least 2-4 hours apart)
Thiazide diuretics: May cause hypercalcemia due to decreased renal calcium excretion
Digitalis glycosides: Hypercalcemia potentiates risk of cardiac arrhythmias
Oral iron preparations: Decreased iron absorption (separate administration)

Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use