Calcium Carbonate

(Caltrate Plus 600 mg)

3 Tabs 3x/day in between meals
NGT
Drug

Calcium
Carbonat
e
(Caltrate
Plus)
Electrolyte
Antacid

Mechanism of
Action

Indications

Essential
element of the
body; helps
maintain the
functional
integrity of
the nervous
and muscular
systems; helps
maintain
cardiac
function,
blood
coagulation;
is an enzyme
cofactor and
affects the
secretory
activity of
endocrine and
exocrine
glands;
neutralizes or
reduces
gastric acidity
(oral use).

Dietary
supplement
when calcium
intake is
inadequate
Treatment of
calcium
deficiency in
tetany of the
newborn
Osteoporosis
Prevention of
hypocalcemia
during
exchange
transfusions
Symptomatic
relief of upset
stomach
associated with
hyperacidity;
hyperacidity
associated with
peptic ulcer,
gastritis, peptic
esophagitis,
gastric
hyperacidity,
hiatal hernia

Contraindications

Allergy to calcium;
renal calculi;
hypercalcemia;
ventricular
fibrillation during
cardiac resuscitation
and patients with
the risk of existing
digitalis toxicity.

Side Effects/
Adverse Effects
Slowed heart
rate, tingling,
"heat waves"

Nursing
Responsibilities
Give drug hourly
for first 2 weeks
when treating
acute peptic ulcer.

Fall in BP
Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation

Administer 1-3 h
after meals
Do not administer
oral drugs within
1-2 h of antacid
administration.

Abdominal Pain
Dry mouth
Thirst
Hypercalcemia

Have patient chew

antacid tablets
thoroughly before
swallowing;
follow with a
glass of water or
milk.