CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Fergus Allerton,
Medication: Calcium carbonate
Your cat has been prescribed calcium carbonate to help maintain your pet’s blood calcium levels or to improve digestive function.
ℹ️Key points: • Follow your veterinarian’s advice closely. • Healthy animals, being fed a balanced commercial diet should not require calcium supplementation. • Dosage: three times daily, or as prescribed by your veterinarian.
ℹ️This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist. ⚠️Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Calcium carbonate (kal-see-um Kar-bon-ayt).
Brand name
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing solely calcium carbonate.
- Some anti-diarrheal preparations contain calcium carbonate along with other medications.
Class of medication
- Mineral.
Storage
- Store at room temperature.
Why has my cat been prescribed calcium carbonate?
If your pet has low blood calcium levels, then they may be prescribed calcium carbonate to increase blood calcium. Calcium is essential for healthy bones, teeth and muscles and for many essential chemical reactions within the body. Healthy pets, being fed a balanced commercial diet should not require calcium supplementation. If your pet has digestive disturbances, then they may have been prescribed calcium carbonate temporarily to help with this. The calcium carbonate acts as a protective layer in the stomach and has anti-diarrheal properties. If your pet has high blood phosphate levels (often due to kidney disease) then they may be prescribed calcium carbonate to bind the phosphate in the intestine and so reduce blood phosphate to safer levels.
How is the medication given?
Calcium carbonate is given orally as tablets. Dosage is often three times daily but your veterinarian will advise the correct dose for your cat. Tablets may be administered with or without food.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
If your cat appears to have any side-effects from their medication, then speak to your veterinarian straight away. Possible side-effects may include increased thirst and increased urination. These symptoms can be a sign that your pet’s blood calcium levels have become too high. It is important that calcium levels are brought back to normal, to avoid kidney damage, so always call your vet if you are worried. Let your veterinarian know if your pet is on any other medications, including home remedies or herbal preparations.
How long will my cat need to receive this medication?
Calcium carbonate should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions. The length of treatment will vary between patients.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused calcium carbonate safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Do not save calcium carbonate for future use or give to other pets. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period. If you accidentally double dose your pet with calcium carbonate then there are unlikely to be any consequences from a single accidental extra dose, but it is best to call your veterinarian for advice.
My cat is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Calcium carbonate should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for. If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice. If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.
Will my cat need to be monitored while on calcium carbonate?
Your veterinarian will need to check your pet regularly to ensure that the drug is working safely and to comply with prescribing regulations. Your veterinarian will need to run regular blood tests to check your pet’s calcium and phosphorous levels.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on calcium carbonate can be found on the package insert or via your veterinarian.Europe & UK
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing this drug in the UK or Europe. Your veterinarian may prescribe a human medication containing this drug and will explain off-license use of medications to you.
US
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing this drug in the US. Your veterinarian may prescribe a human medication containing this drug and will explain off-license use of medications to you.
