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Overview: Calcium acetate is taken to lower phosphorus levels. Common side effects include high calcium levels, nausea, and vomiting. It is important to take calcium acetate with meals. It may not work as well if you do not take it with food. Keep all appointments, even those for lab work while you are taking this medicine. Calcium acetate is available as a capsule or tablet that is swallowed.

Uses

What is calcium acetate used for?

Calcium acetate is commonly taken to control phosphorus levels in people with end-stage kidney disease.

Calcium acetate may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does calcium acetate work (mechanism of action)?

Calcium acetate is a phosphate binder. It works in your gut by attaching to phosphorus from things you eat and drink. This reduces the amount of phosphorus you absorb. Phosphorus is then eliminated when you poop. This helps lower phosphorus levels.

How is calcium acetate supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Eliphos
  • Phoslo
  • Phoslyra

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 667 mg oral tablets
  • 667 mg oral capsules

How should I store calcium acetate?

Calcium acetate should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of calcium acetate?

The most common side effects of calcium acetate are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • High calcium levels (hypercalcemia) (see below)
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

There may be other side effects of calcium acetate that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of calcium acetate?

While less common, the most serious side effects of calcium acetate are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Calcium acetate may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking calcium acetate and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

High Calcium Levels (Hypercalcemia). Calcium acetate can cause high calcium levels, also called hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia can lead to serious problems with your kidneys, heart, or bones. Stop taking calcium acetate and call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Peeing frequently
  • Feeling thirsty
  • Tiredness
  • Confusion or dizziness
  • Poor appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Muscle weakness
  • Bone pain
  • Abnormal heart rhythm

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use calcium acetate?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take calcium acetate.

  • Calcium acetate
  • Calphron
  • Eliphos
  • Phoslo
  • Phoslyra
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific calcium acetate products they stock.

High Calcium Levels. People with high calcium levels (hypercalcemia) should not take calcium acetate.

What should I know about calcium acetate before using it?

Do not take calcium acetate unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed. Do not take more medicine than prescribed. This can cause high calcium levels.

Do not share calcium acetate with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep calcium acetate out of the reach of children.

Your health care provider will likely monitor your bloodwork while you are taking calcium acetate. Keep all appointments with your health care provider and for bloodwork. Your health care provider will tell you if and when you need to adjust your dose of calcium acetate.

What should I tell my health care provider before using calcium acetate?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if calcium acetate is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Calcium acetate may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking calcium acetate, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how calcium acetate could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take calcium acetate while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Calcium acetate passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take calcium acetate while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does calcium acetate interact with foods or drinks?

Calcium acetate should be taken with meals. It may not work as well if it is not taken with meals because it works by binding phosphorus from foods that you eat.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect calcium acetate.

Does calcium acetate interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking calcium acetate.

  • Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
  • A fluoroquinolone, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro, Cipro XR) or levofloxacin, which are medicines used to treat bacterial infections
  • A tetracycline, such as doxycycline, minocycline, omadacycline (Nuzyra), sarecycline (Seysara), or tetracycline, which are medicines used to treat infections or other conditions
  • An antacid or supplement containing calcium

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with calcium acetate. Calcium acetate may affect the absorption of some other medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much calcium acetate?

If you or someone else has taken too much calcium acetate, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of calcium acetate?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.