Please check your internet connection and try again.
Calcium acetate is a phosphate binder.
### Primary Indications
* Hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD)
### Adult Dosing
* Administer orally with meals.
* Dose is individualized based on serum phosphate levels.
* Typical starting dose: 2 tablets (668 mg calcium acetate) per meal.
* Titrate gradually to achieve target serum phosphate levels (e.g., < 5.5 mg/dL).
* Maximum dose: 15 tablets (5010 mg calcium acetate) per day.
### Pediatric Dosing
* **Less than 6 years:** 1 tablet (334 mg calcium acetate) per meal.
* **6 years and older:** 2 tablets (668 mg calcium acetate) per meal.
* Dose should not exceed 12 tablets (4008 mg calcium acetate) per day.
* Dosing is highly individualized and should be guided by clinical response and serum phosphate levels.
### Dose Adjustments
* Monitor serum calcium and phosphate levels regularly.
* If hypercalcemia occurs, reduce dose or temporarily discontinue.
* If hypercalcemia is severe or persistent, consider discontinuing calcium acetate and switching to a calcium-free phosphate binder.
### Contraindications
* Hypercalcemia
* Hypersensitivity to calcium acetate.
### Adverse Effects
* **Common:** Hypercalcemia, constipation, nausea, vomiting, hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia.
* **Serious:** Vascular calcification, cardiac valvular calcification.
### Key Drug Interactions
* **Tetracyclines and quinolone antibiotics:** Oral absorption may be reduced. Separate administration by at least 2 hours.
* **Levothyroxine:** Absorption may be reduced. Separate administration by at least 4 hours.
* **Antacids:** Increased risk of hypercalcemia. Avoid concurrent use.
* **Digoxin:** Hypercalcemia may increase digitalis toxicity.
### Monitoring
* Serum phosphate levels (prior to and regularly during treatment).
* Serum calcium levels (regularly, especially with higher doses or with concurrent calcium-containing products).
* Serum magnesium and potassium levels may be monitored periodically.
* Signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia (e.g., confusion, nausea, vomiting, constipation, polyuria, bone pain).
### Clinical Pearls
* Administer calcium acetate with meals to effectively bind dietary phosphate.
* Patients should be advised to report any symptoms of hypercalcemia.
* Total daily elemental calcium intake from all sources (diet, supplements, medications) should be monitored to avoid exceeding recommended limits.
***
*This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Always verify current prescribing information with the official drug monograph or package insert before making clinical decisions.*
