Generic Name: calcium carbonate (KAL see um KAR boe nate)
Brand Names: Alka-Mints, Cal-Gest, Calcarb, Calci Mix, Calci-Chew, Calci-Mix, Calcium Concentrate, Calcium Liquid Softgel, Calcium Oyster Shell, Caltrate, Chooz, Extra Strength Mylanta Calci Tabs, Icar Prenatal Chewable Calcium, Maalox Antacid Barrier, Maalox Childrens', Maalox Quick Dissolve, Maalox Quick Dissolve Maximum Strength, Maalox Regular Strength, Mylanta Child, Nephro Calci, Os-Cal 500, Oysco 500, Oyst Cal 500, Oyster Cal, Oyster Calcium, Oyster Shell, Pepto Children's, Rolaids Sodium Free, Rolaids Soft Chew, Titralac, Tums, Tums 500, Tums E-X, Tums Kids, Tums QuikPak, Tums Ultra
What is Oyster Shell (calcium carbonate)?
Calcium is a mineral that is found naturally in foods. Calcium is necessary for many normal functions of the body, especially bone formation and maintenance. Calcium can also bind to other minerals (such as phosphate) and aid in their removal from the body.
Calcium carbonate is used to prevent and to treat calcium deficiencies.
Calcium carbonate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Oyster Shell (calcium carbonate)?
Do not take calcium carbonate or antacids that contain calcium without first asking your doctor if you also take other medicines. Calcium can make it harder for your body to absorb certain medicines. Calcium carbonate works best if you take it with food.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Oyster Shell (calcium carbonate)?
To make sure you can safely take calcium carbonate, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
a history of kidney stones; or
a parathyroid gland disorder.
Talk to your doctor before taking calcium carbonate if you are pregnant. Talk to your doctor before taking calcium carbonate if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Oyster Shell (calcium carbonate)?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Calcium carbonate works best if you take it with food. Swallow the calcium carbonate tablet or capsule with a full glass of water.
The chewable tablet should be chewed before you swallow it.
Use the calcium carbonate powder as directed. Allow the powder to dissolve completely, then consume the mixture.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure the liquid with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, constipation, confusion, delirium, stupor, and coma.
What should I avoid while taking Oyster Shell (calcium carbonate)?
Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Oyster Shell (calcium carbonate) side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Less serious side effects may include:
nausea or vomiting;
decreased appetite;
constipation;
dry mouth or increased thirst; or
urinating more than usual.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs can affect Oyster Shell (calcium carbonate)?
Calcium carbonate can make it harder for your body to absorb other medications you take by mouth. Tell your doctor if you are taking:
digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);
antacids or other calcium supplements;
calcitriol (Rocaltrol) or vitamin D supplements; or
doxycycline (Adoxa, Doryx, Oracea, Vibramycin), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin, Solodyn, Vectrin), or tetracycline (Brodspec, Panmycin, Sumycin, Tetracap).
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with calcium carbonate. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More Oyster Shell resources
- Oyster Shell Side Effects (in more detail)
- Oyster Shell Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Oyster Shell Drug Interactions
- Oyster Shell Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Oyster Shell - Add your own review/rating
- Calcium Carbonate MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Titralac Consumer Overview
- Titralac MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Tums Chewable Tablets MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
Compare Oyster Shell with other medications
- Duodenal Ulcer
- Erosive Esophagitis
- GERD
- Hypocalcemia
- Indigestion
- Osteopenia
- Osteoporosis
- Stomach Ulcer
Where can I get more information?
- Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about calcium carbonate.
See also: Oyster Shell side effects (in more detail)
