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GENERIC NAME: CALCIUM ACETATE - ORAL (KAL-see-um A-seh-tate)

BRAND NAME(S): PhosLo

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: In kidney disease, blood levels of phosphate may rise leading to bone problems. Calcium acetate binds phosphate in the diet to lower blood phosphate levels. This medication is used in kidney disease to control blood phosphate.

HOW TO USE: This medication is taken by mouth with meals. The usual dose is 2 to 4 tablets with meals. Your dose may be adjusted based on lab results. Take this as directed. Do not increase your dose or take this more often than prescribed. Follow any recommended dietary guidelines.

SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset may occur. If this continues or becomes bothersome inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: stomach pains, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, thirst or frequent urination. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: other illnesses, allergies (especially drug allergies). This medication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you use, especially of: water pills, blood pressure medication, tetracycline antibiotics, iron supplements, calcium supplements or calcium-based antacids. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, confusion, and loss of consciousness.




Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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  • Dialysis - Dialysis is a procedure that performs many of the normal duties of the kidneys, like filtering waste products from the blood, when the kidneys no longer work adequately. There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
  • Kidney Failure - Learn about kidney failure, in which the body has fluid retention, risen blood pressure, toxin build up and lack of red blood cells. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, and apetite loss.

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calcium acetate-oral, PhosLo

What are the kidneys?

The kidneys play key roles in body function, not only by filtering the blood and getting rid of waste products, but also by balancing levels of electrolytes in the body, controlling blood pressure, and stimulating the production of red blood cells.

The kidneys are located in the abdomen toward the back, normally one of each side of the spine. They get their blood supply through the renal arteries directly from the aorta and send blood back to the heart via the renal veins to the vena cava. (The term "renal" is derived from the Latin name for kidney.)

The kidneys have the ability to monitor the amount of body fluid, the concentrations of electrolytes like sodium and potassium, and the acid-base balance of the body. They filter waste products of body metabolism, like urea from protein metabolism and uric acid from DNA breakdown. Two waste products in the blood can be measured: blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and ...

Read the Kidney Failure article »



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