Cacit

Calcium Carbonate

Method of action: Antacid, Antiulcer, Compensating Calcium Deficiency, Mineral, Mineral Supplements

Treatment option: Allergic Reactions, Pregnancy, Osteomalacia, Osteoporosis, Rickets, Malabsorption Syndrome

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Cacit

What is Cacit?

Cacit is a therapeutic supplement designed to provide the body with a concentrated source of calcium. Calcium is a fundamental mineral required for numerous biological functions, most notably the maintenance of skeletal integrity and the support of cellular processes.

Composition and Mechanism

The primary active component in Cacit is calcium carbonate. When the effervescent tablet is dissolved in water, it undergoes a chemical reaction that facilitates the availability of calcium ions for absorption by the digestive system. This process ensures that the mineral can be effectively transported into the bloodstream to support bone density and other physiological needs.

Primary Uses

Cacit is utilized in various clinical and health contexts where calcium levels need to be managed or supplemented:

Management of Calcium Deficiency: It is used to treat or prevent a lack of calcium in individuals who may not obtain sufficient amounts through their regular diet.
Support for Bone Health: It is frequently used as an adjunct to specific treatments for conditions characterized by bone loss, such as osteoporosis. In these cases, it serves to ensure the body has the necessary building blocks to maintain bone strength.
Increased Nutritional Requirements: It may be used during life stages or under medical conditions where the body's demand for calcium is higher than average.

Role in the Body

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body. While the vast majority is stored in the bones and teeth to provide structure, a small but vital amount circulates in the blood. This circulating calcium is essential for the proper functioning of muscles, the nervous system, and the process of blood coagulation. By providing a reliable source of this mineral, Cacit helps maintain the delicate balance required for these systems to operate effectively.

Regulatory References

MedlinePlus

What side effects are possible with Cacit?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The officially documented adverse effects of Cacit (Calcium Carbonate) primarily relate to disturbances in mineral balance and the gastrointestinal system, as categorized in regulatory documents.

Adverse reactions are formally grouped according to System-Organ Class (SOC) in official labeling. Effects are most commonly seen in the Gastrointestinal Disorders (such as constipation, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort) and Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders.

Frequency Classification of Documented Effects

Adverse events are categorized by frequency based on regulatory standards. Uncommon effects include increased calcium in the blood (Hypercalcemia) and urine (Hypercalciuria). Skin reactions, such as pruritus (itching), rash, and urticaria (hives) are typically categorized as Rare.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Systemic Risks

The regulatory safety profile documents the potential for serious adverse reactions, notably severe hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) reported as Very Rare. Of major concern is the condition known as Milk-alkali syndrome, a serious condition involving hypercalcemia and alkalosis, which is linked in regulatory documents to prolonged high-dose exposure, particularly in patients with pre-existing impaired renal function.

Official safety notes define specific population risks, noting that patients with impaired renal function or conditions like Sarcoidosis require careful consideration due to their increased susceptibility to hypercalcemia. Furthermore, calcium salts may affect the body’s uptake of other substances, potentially impeding the absorption of agents like phosphates and iron-containing products.

Overdose and Emergency Response

The official regulatory profile for Cacit (Calcium Carbonate) overdose centers on the resulting state of Hypercalcemia and potential Alkalosis. Manifestations documented in prescribing information include severe gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and constipation, alongside systemic effects like headache, muscle weakness, and confusion.

Severe Outcomes and Required Actions

Overdose poses a risk for severe, life-threatening outcomes, particularly affecting major organ systems. Documented complications include serious cardiac rhythm disturbances (e.g., irregular heartbeat) and significant kidney damage (nephrolithiasis). Extreme exposure may progress to coma.

Immediate medical attention is mandated by health authorities upon any known or suspected overdose. Individuals must seek medical help right away or contact a Poison Control Center immediately. This is necessary to initiate required procedural support, as no specific antidote is documented in regulatory labeling.

Management and Monitoring

Management protocols are focused on symptomatic and supportive treatment. Officially described measures include the administration of intravenous fluids, and procedures such as gastric lavage may be required. Continuous monitoring is essential, encompassing checks of vital signs, ECG monitoring for cardiac effects, and necessary blood and urine tests. Individuals with pre-existing kidney impairment are noted to have increased susceptibility to severe overdose complications.

Therapeutic Uses of Cacit

What Cacit Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Cacit plays a role in managing mineral homeostasis and provides supportive relief across two distinct therapeutic domains. The therapeutic benefit is relevant for easing symptoms related to calcium deficits and addressing gastric symptoms.

Managing Deficiency-Related Muscle and Bone Symptoms

Cacit is commonly used in clinical settings marked by systemic calcium deficiency (hypocalcemia) and conditions of accelerated bone demineralization, such as osteoporosis. It is used to address the resulting symptom clusters, including muscle cramps, fatigue, and impaired nerve function. The medication may be part of symptomatic management for conditions such as osteomalacia, rickets, and hypoparathyroidism. This supportive therapeutic benefit helps ease the overall symptom load of chronic mineral imbalance and assists with maintaining functional stability.

“This supplement is commonly used across conditions presenting with episodic or fluctuating manifestations of low calcium, supporting patients during difficult episodes by easing distress.”

Providing Relief from Heartburn and Acid Indigestion

The medication is relevant in contexts where symptomatic discomfort arises from gastric acid excess. It is commonly used to manage acute, disruptive episodes of heartburn, sour stomach, and acid indigestion, offering symptomatic assistance. This use contributes to improved day-to-day comfort during periods of heightened symptoms and may assist with maintaining functional stability.

Quick Fact: Relief for Gastric Acid Excess

The medication provides supportive relief when symptoms of increased physiological activity, such as acid indigestion, create noticeable physiological strain, assisting with maintaining a sense of stability when symptoms are more noticeable.

Regulatory References

NIH MedlinePlus Drug Information

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who can and cannot use Cacit — Official Regulatory Information

Cacit (a combination of Calcium Carbonate and Cholecalciferol/Vitamin D3) is indicated for use in adults and elderly patients. Use is generally not established or not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

Eligibility Classification	Populations/Conditions
Contraindicated (Must NOT use)	Known hypersensitivity to the active substances or excipients.
	Hypercalcaemia (high blood calcium) or Hypercalciuria (high urine calcium).
	Severe renal impairment or Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones).
	Hypervitaminosis D (excess Vitamin D).
Restricted/Caution (Use requires special consideration)	Patients with impaired kidney function (requires monitoring of calcium/phosphate).
	Patients with Sarcoidosis or Osteoporosis who are immobilized (increased risk of high calcium levels).
	Patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption, or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency (due to excipients).
Age-Related Rule	Not intended for use in children (for most formulations).

Regulatory documents define strict constraints on who can use Cacit, primarily revolving around the body's existing balance of calcium and vitamin D, and the capacity of the kidneys to manage them. The medicine is formally contraindicated if a patient has pre-existing high calcium levels, severe kidney issues, or an excessive amount of vitamin D in the body. For other patients, caution and monitoring are required, particularly for those with milder renal impairment, sarcoidosis, or who are immobilized.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Cacit (Calcium Carbonate) can interact with several other medications, potentially affecting their absorption or altering calcium levels in the body. It is important to discuss all concurrent medications with your healthcare provider.

Decreased Absorption of Other Medicines

Calcium carbonate can bind to certain medications in the digestive tract, reducing their absorption and effectiveness. To minimize this effect, a time separation of at least 2 to 4 hours is generally recommended between taking Cacit and the following drugs:

Bisphosphonates (used for osteoporosis, e.g., alendronate)
Tetracycline and Fluoroquinolone antibiotics
Thyroid hormones (e.g., levothyroxine)
Iron supplements

Increased Risk of Adverse Effects

Some combinations can increase the risk of side effects or lead to excessive calcium levels (hypercalcemia):

Concomitant Medicine	Potential Interaction
Thiazide Diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide)	Can decrease calcium excretion, raising the risk of hypercalcemia. Monitoring of blood calcium levels is necessary.
Cardiac Glycosides (e.g., digoxin)	The risk of cardiac arrhythmias may be increased, especially in cases of hypercalcemia. Close medical supervision and monitoring of ECG and calcium levels are required.
Vitamin D (including other supplements)	Taking high doses of Vitamin D concurrently increases intestinal absorption of calcium, elevating the risk of hypercalcemia.

Additionally, high intake of calcium, particularly with alkaline substances, carries a risk of milk-alkali syndrome. Foods containing oxalic acid (e.g., spinach, rhubarb) and phytinic acid (e.g., whole grains) may also reduce calcium absorption. Always follow the specific dosing advice provided by your doctor or pharmacist.

Mechanism of Action

Cacit introduces calcium ions (Ca^2+) into the systemic circulation, allowing for the repletion of calcium deficits and maintenance of serum calcium concentration. The ionized calcium is transported via blood plasma and distributed to target tissues, including bone, nerve, and muscle cells. Within bone tissue, calcium is directly incorporated as a structural component of the mineralized bone matrix, supporting matrix stability. Ca^2+ also functions as a critical co-factor for numerous enzyme systems. At the intracellular level, Ca^2+ binds to the protein calmodulin, which serves as an intracellular effector. This interaction modulates the activity of various protein kinases and phosphatases, thereby initiating complex signaling cascades crucial for cellular regulation. Stabilization of Ca^2+ concentration gradients across cell membranes is also supported, facilitating the proper functioning of excitable cell membranes. This mechanism is integral to the regulation of calcium-dependent osteoblast signaling cascades which govern bone formation.

Dosage and Administration Information

Instruction Map: How to Use Cacit — Administration Guidelines

This map consolidates the instructions for the administration of Cacit (Calcium Carbonate effervescent forms), focusing strictly on procedural rules and labeled dosing.

Administration Scope

Instruction	Detail
Route of administration	Oral route only. The effervescent form establishes the product as an oral solution after preparation.
Dosing schedule (Adults/Elderly)	Dosage is tailored for the individual patient's needs. The regimen for deficiency states ranges from 1.0 g to 2.5 g elemental calcium per day. For adjunctive treatment of osteoporosis, doses up to 1.5 g per day are specified.
Timing in relation to meals	Administration is generally advised to be taken with food or following a meal to optimize mineral absorption.
Preparation requirements	The effervescent tablet or granules must be dissolved completely in a glass of water (e.g., 100 mL) and the solution drunk immediately after complete dissolution.
Age-group administration rules	Children: For therapeutic supplementation, a maximum dose of up to 1.0 g elemental calcium per day is recommended.
Special procedural conditions	The tablet must not be swallowed whole. The medicine should be administered separately from certain other drugs (e.g., iron, tetracyclines) by at least two hours to avoid reduced absorption of the co-administered drug.

Instruction Classifications (High-Level)

Classification	Detail
Administration method type	Oral solution (prepared from effervescent form).
Frequency pattern	Typically once daily or twice daily for standard supplementation regimens.
Use-context constraints	Use for calcium deficiency is generally intended for long-term administration, while use as an antacid may be limited to a maximum duration of two weeks unless otherwise advised.

Resulting Procedural Structure

Step sequence:

The prescribed effervescent tablet or granules are placed into a glass of water.
The effervescent tablet or granules must be allowed to dissolve fully in the water.
The resulting oral solution is to be consumed immediately, preferably with a meal.

Connection to the overall use protocol:

The administration guidelines establish a protocol for preparing and ingesting the medication, defining it as an oral solution that must be consumed immediately after reconstitution. These rules outline the dose range and frequency, structuring the use as either a chronic, long-term supplement or a short-term antacid, contingent upon the established administration schedule.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Cacit

Evidence for Use in Mineral Deficiency and Bone Health

Cacit, containing calcium carbonate, has been evaluated in research exploring its role in systemic calcium deficiency (hypocalcemia) and its use as a supportive measure in conditions characterized by bone loss, such as osteoporosis. This research base includes many Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and large Systematic Reviews that compare calcium, often combined with Vitamin D, against a placebo or no treatment.

Researchers examined a variety of outcomes in these studies, including measuring changes in Bone Mineral Density (BMD) and tracking the incidence of fractures over defined time intervals. Findings related to fracture outcomes were mixed across large trials and studies. Evidence related to the isolated role of calcium carbonate alone on fracture risk remains uncertain and often is generally studied alongside Vitamin D, which makes the isolated effect of calcium carbonate less distinct.

Evidence for Antacid Use and Gastric Acid Relief

Research for calcium carbonate's role in providing relief from symptoms of excess stomach acid, such as heartburn and acid indigestion, utilizes Pharmacodynamic Studies and Short-Term RCTs. These studies explore the immediate and acute symptomatic patterns.

Researchers examined outcomes related to physical discomfort by measuring the Acid Neutralizing Capacity (ANC) and tracking patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort. The studies consistently report how symptoms evolved in the observed groups. Trials reported that participants using calcium carbonate described changes in their symptoms over a defined time interval compared to those using placebo.

What is Still Uncertain About Cacit Research

The overall evidence highlights what is known, but also where certainty remains low. Findings were mixed regarding the fracture endpoints in large-scale trials, particularly when calcium was used without Vitamin D. This is a documented research limitation. Research also indicates that long-term outcomes related to specific formulations of the product are not fully established, and there is limited comparative evidence available across different calcium salts.

Key Studies & References

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Cacit (FAQ)

Q: Is Cacit available without a prescription?

Regulatory information indicates that the active ingredient in Cacit, calcium carbonate, is widely available as an Over-The-Counter (OTC) medicine in lower-dose supplement and antacid forms. The prescription status can vary depending on the specific product strength and local regulations.

Q: Does Cacit make you feel sleepy or tired?

Official product information notes that the potential adverse reaction known as hypercalcaemia (high blood calcium levels) is classified as an uncommon side effect. Symptoms that have been associated with hypercalcaemia include feelings of unusual tiredness or drowsiness. Patients experiencing such effects are advised to review them with a healthcare provider.

Q: Can Cacit affect my mood?

The regulatory safety profile indicates that hypercalcaemia, which is an uncommon side effect of high calcium intake, may cause neurological symptoms. These symptoms have been associated with changes such as confusion and altered mood in official safety surveillance reports.

Q: Does Cacit interact with common pain relievers like ibuprofen?

Official regulatory warnings prioritize medicines with known high-risk interactions, such as certain antibiotics and bone medicines. While specific non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are not typically listed as requiring a time separation, guidance generally states that concurrent medicines should be reviewed with a healthcare provider.

Q: Does Cacit interact with coffee or caffeine?

Studies indicate that substances like caffeine may acutely increase the amount of calcium that is excreted through the urine. Guidance suggests careful consideration of intake for any substance that may affect calcium balance.

Q: How long does the effect of one dose of Cacit last?

For its use as an antacid, the medicine is intended to provide acute relief, and the regulatory documentation specifies a maximum recommended duration of two weeks for this symptomatic use. The systemic effects of calcium supplementation relate to its use in long-term maintenance of mineral balance.

Q: Is Cacit safe to take with herbal teas?

Official regulatory product information indicates that all supplements and herbal products should be reviewed with a healthcare provider. This general precaution exists because calcium can potentially affect how the body absorbs a wide range of other substances.

Q: Is Cacit a branded or generic medicine?

Cacit is a brand name for a product containing Calcium Carbonate. Calcium carbonate is itself a common generic chemical compound. This means the active substance is widely available in many different branded and generic products worldwide.

Q: Does Cacit have any warnings related to pregnancy or breastfeeding?

According to official regulatory documents, the use of calcium carbonate during pregnancy is generally considered acceptable when kept within recommended dosage limits. Calcium is known to be excreted in breast milk, but its use is not typically associated with adverse effects in the nursing infant.

Q: Can Cacit interact with blood thinners?

Official information confirms that calcium plays an important role in the electrical conduction and contraction of cardiac muscle. The concurrent use of calcium supplements alongside any medicine that significantly affects the cardiovascular system or blood clotting is a point for regulatory caution and review.

Q: Are there any reports of Cacit causing dry mouth?

Official regulatory documents categorize common and uncommon side effects, primarily focusing on gastrointestinal issues. While dry mouth is not frequently listed on the main product label, the symptom has been mentioned in some post-marketing safety surveillance reports for calcium carbonate formulations.

How should Cacit be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Cacit Effervescent Tablets

The storage and disposal instructions for Cacit (Calcium Carbonate effervescent tablets) are strictly defined by regulatory labeling to protect the medicine from moisture and heat.

Official Storage Requirements

Requirement	Condition (From Regulatory Labeling)
Temperature	Store below 30 C at room temperature.
Moisture Protection	The container must be kept tightly closed and stored in its original package.
Child Safety	Must be kept out of the sight and reach of children.
Solution Stability	The dissolved solution must be drunk immediately after preparation.

Disposal

Any unused or expired Cacit product should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements. This typically involves returning the unused medicine to a pharmacist or designated collection point rather than discarding it in household trash or wastewater.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

Available in countries:

Belgium

France

Italy

Malta

Netherlands

United Kingdom

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