Calmet

this Calmet is useful for the temporary relief of occasional indigestion and heartburn. Frequent, daily or nightly symptoms usually mean a more serious problem. Antacids by themselves do not correct these problems. The medications that are now available to treat acid problems are generally superior to antacids.

The second and more important use of Calmet is as a source of calcium, necessary for bones and teeth and to prevent osteoporosis. A quart of milk contains about 1500 mg of calcium which is about what you need. Otherwise this or a similar calcium preparation can be taken.

Antacids are taken by mouth to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, or acid indigestion. They work by neutralizing excess stomach acid. Some Calmet combinations also contain simethicone, which may relieve the symptoms of excess gas. Antacids alone or in combination with simethicone may also be used to treat the symptoms of stomach or duodenal ulcers.

With larger doses than those used for the Calmet effect, magnesium hydroxide (magnesia) and magnesium oxide antacids produce a laxative effect. The information that follows applies only to their use as an Calmet.

Some antacids, like aluminum carbonate and aluminum hydroxide, may be prescribed with a low-phosphate diet to treat hyperphosphatemia (too much phosphate in the blood). Aluminum carbonate and aluminum hydroxide may also be used with a low-phosphate diet to prevent the formation of some kinds of kidney stones. Aluminum hydroxide may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

These medicines are available without a prescription. However, your doctor may have special instructions on the proper use and dose of these medicines for your medical problem.

Usual Adult Dose for Osteoporosis:

2500 to 7500 mg/day orally in 2 to 4 divided doses.

Usual Adult Dose for Hypocalcemia:

900 to 2500 mg/day orally in 2 to 4 divided doses. This dose may be adjusted as needed to achieve a normal serum calcium level.

Usual Adult Dose for Dyspepsia:

300 to 8000 mg/day orally in 2 to 4 divided doses. This dose may be increased as needed and tolerated to decrease symptoms of stomach upset.

Maximum Dose: 5,500 to 7980 mg (depending on product used). Not to exceed maximum daily dosage for a period of greater than 2 weeks unless directed by a physician.

Usual Adult Dose for Duodenal Ulcer:

1250 to 3750 mg/day in 2 to 4 divided doses. This dose may be increased as needed and tolerated to decrease the abdominal discomfort. The major limiting factor to the chronic use of Calmet is gastric hypersecretion and acid rebound.

Usual Adult Dose for Gastric Ulcer:

1250 to 3750 mg/day in 2 to 4 divided doses. This dose may be increased as needed and tolerated to decrease the abdominal discomfort. The major limiting factor to the chronic use of Calmet is gastric hypersecretion and acid rebound.

Usual Adult Dose for Erosive Esophagitis:

1250 to 3750 mg/day orally in 2 to 4 divided doses. The potential for acid rebound could be detrimental. However, antacids have been frequently used in the management of erosive esophagitis and may be beneficial in decreasing the acidity of gastric contents.

Maximum Dose: 5,500 to 7980 mg (depending on product used). Not to exceed maximum daily dosage for a period of greater than 2 weeks unless directed by a physician.

Usual Adult Dose for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease:

1250 to 3750 mg/day orally in 2 to 4 divided doses. The potential for acid rebound could be detrimental. However, antacids have been frequently used in the management of erosive esophagitis and may be beneficial in decreasing the acidity of gastric contents.

Maximum Dose: 5,500 to 7980 mg (depending on product used). Not to exceed maximum daily dosage for a period of greater than 2 weeks unless directed by a physician.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hypocalcemia:

Neonatal:

Hypocalcemia (dose depends on clinical condition and serum calcium level): Dose expressed in mg of elemental calcium: 50 to 150 mg/kg/day in 4 to 6 divided doses; not to exceed 1 g/day

Usual

Dosage:

Calmet:

Children 2 to 5 years: Childrens Pepto, Mylanta (R) Childrens: 1 tablet (400 mg Calmet) as symptoms occur; not to exceed 3 tablets/day

Children 6 to 11 years: Childrens Pepto, Mylanta (R) Childrens: 2 tablets (800 mg Calmet) as symptoms occur; not to exceed 6 tablets/day

Children 11 years and older:

Tums (R), Tums (R) E-X: 2 to 4 tablets chewed as symptoms occur; not to exceed 15 tablets [Tums (R)] or 10 tablets [Tums (R) E-X] per day

Tums (R) Ultra: 2 to 3 tablets chewed as symptoms occur; not to exceed 7 tablets per day

Hypocalcemia (dose depends on clinical condition and serum calcium level): Dose expressed in mg of elemental calcium:

Children: 45 to 65 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses

Treatment of hyperphosphatemia in end-stage renal failure: Children and Adults: Dose expressed in mg of Calmet: 1 g with each meal; increase as needed; range: 4 to 7 g/day

Hydrofluoric acid (HF) burns (HF concentration less than 20%):

Topical: Various topical calcium preparations have been used anecdotally for treatment of dermal exposure to HF solutions; Calmet at concentrations ranging from 2.5% to 33% has been used; a topical Calmet preparation must be compounded.

See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Calmet?

Known hypersensitivity reaction to any of the ingredients of Calmet.

Use Calmet tablets as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Calmet tablets by mouth with or without food.
• Many medicines (eg, used for blood clots, immune system suppression, infection, iron supplementation, low blood platelets, osteoporosis, thyroid problems) should not be taken at the same time as Calmet tablets; their effectiveness may be decreased. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if your dose of Calmet tablets should be separated from your dose of any of your other medicines.
• If you miss a dose of Calmet tablets, take it as soon as you remember. Continue to take it as directed by your doctor or on the package label.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Calmet tablets.

This medication is used to prevent or treat low blood calcium levels in people who do not get enough calcium from their diets. It may be used to treat conditions caused by low calcium levels such as bone loss (osteoporosis), weak bones (osteomalacia/rickets), decreased activity of the parathyroid gland (hypoparathyroidism), and a certain muscle disease (latent tetany). It may also be used in certain patients to make sure they are getting enough calcium (e.g., women who are pregnant, nursing, or postmenopausal, people taking certain medications such as phenytoin, phenobarbital, or prednisone).

Calcium plays a very important role in the body. It is necessary for normal functioning of nerves, cells, muscle, and bone. If there is not enough calcium in the blood, then the body will take calcium from bones, thereby weakening bones. Having the right amount of calcium is important for building and keeping strong bones.

How to use Calmet

Take this medication by mouth with food. If your product contains calcium citrate, then it may be taken with or without food. Follow all directions on the product package, or take as directed by your doctor. For best absorption, if your daily dose is more than 600 milligrams, then divide your dose and space it throughout the day. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you are using the chewable product, chew it well before swallowing.

If you are using the effervescent tablet, allow the tablet to fully dissolve in a glass of water before drinking it. Do not chew or swallow the tablet whole.

If you are using the liquid product or powder, measure the medication with a dose-measuring spoon or device to make sure you get the correct dose. Do not use a household spoon. If the liquid product is a suspension, shake the bottle well before each dose.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

If your doctor has recommended that you follow a special diet, it is very important to follow the diet to get the most benefit from this medication and to prevent serious side effects. Do not take other supplements/vitamins unless ordered by your doctor.

If you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.

See also:
What other drugs will affect Calmet?

An interaction generally means that one drug may increase or decrease the effect of another drug. Also, the more medications a person takes, the more likely there will be a drug interaction. Antacids do interact with or prevent the absorption of many medications. As a general rule it is best to separate Calmet use and any other medications by at least 1 hour. When antacids are only taken occasionally, this seldom presents a serious problem. Since there are so many good medications to reduce stomach acid, some of them over-the-counter, it is unusual to require frequent Calmet use during the day and night.

Interactions with this Calmet may occur with the following:

* flecainide (Tambocor)

* phenytoin type drugs (Dilantin, Mesantoin, Peganone, Cerebyx)

* iron (Feosol, ferrous sulfate, Nu-Iron)

* quinidine (Quinidex, Quinaglute)

* aspirin, salicylates

* tetracycline (Sumycin, Tetracyn)

See also:
What are the possible side effects of Calmet?

Applies to Calmet: tablets

Other dosage forms:

• chewable tablets

Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur while taking Calmet (the active ingredient contained in Calmet)

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); confusion; increased urination; loss of appetite; mental or mood changes; nausea; severe or persistent constipation or stomach pain; weakness; vomiting.

Each Calmet milk powd contains: Energy Density 1 kCal/mL. Energy Distribution: Protein: Fat: CHO 13:37:50, Protein 32.5 g/L, CHO 125.7 g/L, Fat 42 g/L, Na 500 mg/L, K 1,250 mg/L, Mg 200 mg/L, P 500 mg/L, osmolality 300 mOsmol/kg H₂O.

Each Calmet oral liqd (ready-to-drink) contains: Energy Density 1 kCal/mL. Energy Distribution: Protein: Fat: CHO 14:32:54, Protein 35 g/L, CHO 135 g/L, Fat 36 g/L, Na 1,000 mg/L, K 1,200 mg/L, Mg 280 mg/L, P 870 mg/L, osmolality 330 mOsmol/kg H₂O.

Calmet is specifically formulated for the dietary management of malnutrition and other medical conditions with increased nutritional needs that cannot be met through diet modification alone.

Special Features: Calmet is isotonic (low osmolality); 100% complex carbohydrate; 20% of fat as MCT; lactose-free; unflavoured.