CALCIUM (ORAL)

(Calcium Lactogluconate, Calcium Acetate [Phoslo], Calcium Sandoz Forte), Calcium carbonate [Tums, Oscal, Apo-cal])

Standard Prescription

calcium lactogluconate __mg (__mg elemental Ca2+) PO Q__H
calcium carbonate __mg (__mg elemental Ca2+) PO Q__H
calcium acetate __mg (__mg elemental Ca2+) PO Q__H
calcium Sandoz Forte __mg (__mg elemental Ca2+) PO Q__H

Dosages

Ca++ = elemental calcium

Maintenance/Hypocalcemia:
11-16 mg Ca++/kg/dose PO QID

Hyperphosphatemia in CKD:
Children: 330 mg Ca++/m2/dose PO TID with meals; titrate dose based on serum phosphate levels

Mechanism of Action

Electrolyte

Forms Supplied

Ca++ = elemental calcium

Liquid: calcium lactogluconate syrup: 20 mg Ca++/mL
Suspension (for renal patients as phosphate binder only (BCCH; Ca Carbonate):  80 mg Ca++/mL

Tablets:
Chewable (Tums 500 mg Ca carbonate): 200 mg Ca++
Chewable (Tums Extra Strength 750 mg Ca carbonate): 300 mg Ca++
Tablet ( Apo-cal 1250 mg Ca carbonate): 500 mg Ca++
Tablet  (Phoslo 667 mg Ca acetate): 169 mg Ca++

Comments

For calcium supplementation in patients who cannot swallow/chew tablets, usecalcium lactogluconate 20 mg/mL syrup (BCCH CaCO3 suspension is a phosphate binder for renal patients; it is difficult to make, difficult to re-suspend and is not a Pharmacare benefit).

If used as a phosphate binder, give at beginning of meals.

If used as a calcium supplement, give with plenty of fluids and ideally between meals.

Monitor serum calcium and phosphate levels during therapy.

1 mEq Ca++ = 20 mg elemental calcium.

References

1, 23, 32, 489

Last Edited

2022-06-15 22:45:33