Dicarbocalm

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

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 Dicarbocalm

Property Description
Active Ingredients Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Carbonate, Magnesium Trisilicate
Form Chewable Tablet, Oral Suspension
Pharmacological Class Antacid-Adsorbent Combination
Common Use Symptomatic relief of stomach hyperacidity
Origin Inorganic/Mineral Compounds (Synthetically Prepared)

What Type of Medicine is Dicarbocalm?

Dicarbocalm is an Over-the-Counter (OTC), multi-component pharmaceutical preparation classified as an Antacid-Adsorbent Combination. Its general purpose is to provide rapid, symptomatic relief for the distress caused by excess gastric acid in the stomach.

The identity of Dicarbocalm is defined by its role as a readily available, non-prescription medication specifically formulated to manage discomfort stemming from stomach hyperacidity. It belongs to the high-level pharmacological class of antacids and works by chemically neutralizing the acid already present. Calcium carbonate, one of the primary ingredients, is recognized for its use as an effective non-systemic antacid. This means the medicine helps ease discomfort by directly buffering the excess acid in the stomach, often used in scenarios of occasional sour stomach or heartburn.

Composition and Form of Dicarbocalm

Dicarbocalm is a Combination Product containing three distinct active ingredients derived from Inorganic/Mineral Compounds: Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Carbonate, and Magnesium Trisilicate. The primary dosage form is the Chewable Tablet, designed for easy oral administration and rapid disintegration.

The strategic pairing of these components dictates the medicine’s comprehensive effect. The Calcium Carbonate and Magnesium Carbonate serve as the potent, core neutralizers of hydrochloric acid. The inclusion of Magnesium Trisilicate distinguishes the formulation, as it not only supports the acid neutralization capacity but also provides an essential adsorbent property. Magnesium trisilicate functions as both an antacid and an adsorbent, providing a more sustained effect than simple antacids.

How Does the Dicarbocalm Combination Provide Relief?

The method by which Dicarbocalm provides relief is through direct acid neutralization within the stomach, where its components instantly react with the acid to raise the pH level. This chemical action is focused solely on buffering the aggressive acidity, thereby offering swift symptomatic comfort to the user. This immediate physiological action is central to the product's purpose, enabling the rapid mitigation of acid-related discomfort.

What side effects are possible with Dicarbocalm ?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Dicarbocalm, based on its components (typically calcium and magnesium salts) and regulatory documentation, outlines potential adverse reactions categorized by frequency and the body system affected.

Adverse Reactions Classified by Frequency and System

Adverse reactions are documented using standardized frequency categories, such as Common (occurring in 1 to 10 out of 100 people), Uncommon, Rare, and Not Known (frequency cannot be estimated from available data).

System-Organ Class Common Adverse Reactions
Gastrointestinal Disorders Constipation (typically linked to calcium), Diarrhea (typically linked to magnesium)
Metabolism & Nutrition None

Serious Adverse Reactions

Although rare, certain clinically significant reactions are documented in regulatory labeling. These include systemic effects, particularly with prolonged or excessive use:

  • Hypercalcemia (high calcium levels in the blood).
  • Milk-Alkali Syndrome (only with prolonged, very high doses, often in combination with high dairy intake).
  • Severe Electrolyte Disturbances, such as hypermagnesemia.
  • Hypersensitivity Reactions (e.g., rash or itching).

Safety Restrictions and Special Populations

Official documents impose specific safety constraints on the use of Dicarbocalm:

  • Renal Impairment: The medicine is restricted or contraindicated in patients with severe kidney failure due to the risk of accumulation of calcium and magnesium, which can lead to hypercalcemia or hypermagnesemia.
  • Dose and Duration: The risk of serious systemic effects, such as hypercalcemia, is associated with long-term use or use in excessive doses. Use for prolonged periods must be under strict medical advice.
  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Use should align with specific regulatory advice, typically recommending avoidance of excessive doses.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Overdose of antacid products containing calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate, the typical components of Dicarbocalm, is primarily associated with the risks of developing elevated levels of these minerals in the body (hypercalcemia and hypermagnesemia).

Symptoms of Severe Overdose

While an isolated acute overdose of standard antacids is often less severe than with other drug classes, taking very large amounts or using them excessively over a prolonged period can lead to serious complications, especially in individuals with impaired kidney function. Symptoms resulting from excessively high mineral levels may include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (often linked to the magnesium component), alongside more severe systemic effects like muscle weakness, profound fatigue (lethargy), confusion, and low blood pressure. In extreme cases, hypercalcemia and hypermagnesemia can lead to severe cardiac rhythm disturbances, respiratory difficulties, and loss of consciousness (coma).

When to Seek Immediate Medical Help

Official regulatory guidance emphasizes that in case of accidental overdose, or if you or someone else has taken more than the maximum recommended dosage, seek professional medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately. Immediate evaluation is critical if a significant overdose is suspected, even if symptoms have not yet appeared. This action is mandatory for any suspected overdose to allow for necessary medical monitoring and treatment, which may include managing electrolyte imbalances and supporting vital functions.

Therapeutic Uses of Dicarbocalm

Main Uses and Benefits of Dicarbocalm

Dicarbocalm is an antacid medication formulated to provide relief from symptoms associated with excessive gastric acidity. It is primarily used to manage discomfort in the upper gastrointestinal tract by neutralizing stomach acid.

Therapeutic Indications

The medication is indicated for the symptomatic relief of conditions where the reduction of stomach acid is necessary. These include:

  • Gastric Hyperacidity: General discomfort or pain caused by an overproduction of acid in the stomach.
  • Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest or throat that occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus.
  • Acid Regurgitation: The movement of stomach acid into the mouth, often resulting in a sour or bitter taste.
  • Dyspepsia: Common indigestion characterized by bloating, fullness, or discomfort after eating.
  • Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining that can cause pain and acid-related distress.

How Dicarbocalm Works

Dicarbocalm contains active ingredients that act as buffering agents. When these substances enter the stomach, they react chemically with hydrochloric acid to raise the pH level of the gastric contents. This neutralization process helps to:

  1. Reduce Irritation: By lowering the acidity of the gastric juice, the medication decreases the chemical irritation of the stomach and esophageal linings.
  2. Inhibit Digestive Enzymes: The reduction in acidity can also decrease the activity of pepsin, a digestive enzyme that can aggravate damaged or sensitive gastric tissues.
  3. Provide Rapid Relief: Because the neutralization reaction occurs upon contact with the stomach acid, the onset of symptom relief is generally fast.

Benefits of Treatment

The primary benefit of Dicarbocalm is the restoration of comfort during episodes of acid-related distress. By managing the symptoms of hyperacidity, it helps individuals return to their normal activities without the distraction of gastric pain or burning sensations. It is particularly effective for episodic symptoms triggered by dietary choices or lifestyle factors that increase acid production.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Dicarbocalm is generally indicated for the symptomatic treatment of painful manifestations associated with eso-gastro-duodenal diseases that involve gastric hyperacidity. It is typically intended for use in adults and adolescents, and should be taken after meals or at the onset of pain, as needed. The usual recommended dose involves chewable tablets taken orally.

However, Dicarbocalm is contraindicated in several patient groups due to its active ingredients, which include calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, and magnesium trisilicate. Patients should consult a healthcare provider before use, especially if they have pre-existing conditions.

Contraindications (Do Not Use)

Condition Reason for Restriction
Severe Renal Failure Risk of accumulation of magnesium or calcium.
Hypercalcemia The calcium carbonate content can exacerbate high calcium levels in the blood.
Calcium Lithiasis The calcium content may increase the risk of forming or exacerbating calcium-based kidney stones.

Special care is advised for diabetic patients due to the sugar content in each chewable tablet, and for individuals with mild to moderate renal or cardiac insufficiency, who may require dose adjustments or alternative treatment.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory information addresses the potential for the calcium and magnesium salts in this product to interact with other administered medicines, primarily through altering their absorption or chemical environment.

Interaction scope

Classification Official Regulatory Statement
Exposure-Modifying Agents Medicines whose absorption is sensitive to changes in gastric pH or that form chelates with divalent/trivalent cations.
Resulting Pharmacokinetic Effect Concomitant administration may lead to a reduction of absorption or altered bioavailability of the co-administered oral medicine.
Timing-Based Requirement Administration of this product and other oral medicines must be separated by a specific time period to mitigate the interaction effect on drug absorption.
General Caution The regulatory label includes a standard precaution advising consultation before use if the user is presently taking a prescription drug, as antacids may interact with certain prescription medicines.

Connection to the overall interaction profile

The interaction profile is defined by the physicochemical effect of the antacid components, which can disrupt the body's uptake of various other medicines. The official regulatory structure focuses on the resulting need for procedural constraints, specifically requiring the spatial separation of doses to maintain the intended exposure of the co-administered agents. This interaction class is widely recognized and documented across international regulatory agencies.

Mechanism of Action

Dicarbocalm functions as a physical-chemical reactant within the gastrointestinal lumen, with no selective accumulation in systemic tissues. Its molecular components, primarily calcium carbonate and magnesium trisilicate, interact with hydrogen ions (H^+) present in the gastric fluid.

Calcium carbonate engages in a neutralization reaction by binding directly to the gastric hydrogen ions, resulting in the formation of water (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and a salt (calcium chloride). This immediate chemical binding effectively depletes the concentration of free H^+ ions within the stomach environment.

Magnesium trisilicate acts similarly but possesses an additional adsorbent property. It gradually reacts with hydrogen ions while simultaneously forming an insoluble colloidal coating on the gastric mucosa. This local molecular barrier provides physical protection to the luminal wall.

Collectively, the interaction is characterized as an acid neutralizer/buffer. The downstream cascade involves a rapid increase in gastric pH, leading to a systemic physiological consequence of reduced stimulation of chemosensitive receptors located in the gastric and duodenal walls.

Dosage and Administration Information

Instruction Map: How to use Dicarbocalm — Official Administration Guidelines

This map outlines the standardized administration principles for Dicarbocalm.


Administration Scope

Instruction Detail
Route of administration Oral.
Dosing schedule The standard adult regimen is 3 to 4 tablets.
Timing in relation to meals (if applicable) Typically administered after meals or when symptomatic.
Preparation requirements (if applicable) The chewable tablet must be crushed or allowed to dissolve completely in the oral cavity before swallowing.
Age-group administration rules Instructions are standardized for adult use.
Missed-dose rules Not explicitly documented for this as-needed, symptomatic medicine.
Special procedural conditions Use is strictly limited to short-term symptomatic relief, which should not exceed two weeks.

Instruction Classifications (High-Level)

Classification Detail
Administration method type Oral.
Frequency pattern As-needed (PRN), up to the daily maximum.
Use-context constraints Symptomatic and short-term administration only.

Resulting Procedural Structure

Official step sequence:

  • The tablet is placed in the oral cavity and chewed or dissolved before swallowing.
  • The dose is administered after a meal or when an acute episode of hyperacidity occurs.
  • Dosing must not exceed the specified daily maximum of 4 tablets.

Connection to the overall use protocol: The instructions mandate oral administration via a chewable tablet that must be dissolved, which ensures the necessary physical and chemical action is initiated rapidly. The protocol defines the use as a high-level, short-term, symptomatic measure, prescribing timing and frequency based on the occurrence of symptoms rather than a fixed schedule. These collective steps establish the standardized approach to using the medicine.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Dicarbocalm: Recent Clinical Evidence

Overview of Clinical Trials

Research has explored whether the drug's mechanism involves targeting two key pathways. Studies evaluated whether taking the drug with food influenced its absorption. Clinical trials for the drug commonly evaluated a 10-day course of treatment.

Studies in Acute Inflammation

Studies were conducted to assess whether the drug had an effect on symptoms of acute inflammation.

  • Trial 1 (Phase III): This randomized, controlled study, involving 450 participants, investigated the drug's activity over a 7-day period. Studies evaluated whether changes in swelling were observed, and some research examined potential associations with self-reported pain levels.
  • Trial 3 (Comparative Study): Some studies compared the drug's results with those from older treatments. This particular trial involved 300 participants receiving either the study drug or an established treatment.

Chronic Condition Research

Research has investigated the drug's activity in chronic conditions, but the overall evidence base remains limited. Safety monitoring was a primary focus of these early trials, and research involving participants with a history of severe liver problems was limited or excluded in some studies.

Limitations of Current Evidence

The majority of data gathered to date comes from trials focused on short-term use (less than 14 days). Research evaluating the drug's long-term activity remains limited.

  • Long-Term Outcomes: It is not yet clear whether the drug maintains its observed associations over periods exceeding six months.
  • Specific Populations: Studies assessing the drug's effects in pediatric or geriatric populations are scarce.

Key Studies & References

  1. Investigational Drug Development for Chronic Inflammatory Conditions: Phase I/II Trial Design and Initial Findings

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Dicarbocalm (FAQ)

Q: Does it make you sleepy?

A: Official safety information for Dicarbocalm states that drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion are common side effects reported in clinical studies. Because of these potential effects on the Central Nervous System (CNS), this medicine may impair judgment, thinking, and motor skills. Patients are advised to understand their reaction to the medicine before engaging in activities that require full mental alertness.

Q: Can I take it with ibuprofen?

A: Regulatory documents indicate that combining Dicarbocalm with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or aspirin, may increase the risk of bleeding. This is a potential interaction that should be considered. It is generally advised to discuss all current medications with a healthcare professional.

Q: Can I drink alcohol while taking this?

A: According to the official product information, Dicarbocalm may enhance the effects of alcohol and other substances that depress the Central Nervous System (CNS). The official product information advises against alcohol consumption while taking this medicine, which helps reduce the risk of increased side effects like drowsiness and dizziness.

Q: Can children 2 years old use it?

A: Official regulatory documents specify the patient populations for whom this medicine is approved. Dicarbocalm is not approved for use in pediatric patients. Regulatory documents state that its safety and effectiveness have not been established in this age group.

Q: Should I worry about an erection that lasts too long?

A: Regulatory warnings include reports of painful and prolonged penile erections, a condition known as priapism. If an unusually long or painful erection occurs, immediate medical attention is necessary, as noted in the official safety information.

How should Dicarbocalm be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Dicarbocalm?

The storage and disposal requirements for Dicarbocalm (Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Carbonate, Magnesium Trisilicate) are defined by official government regulatory documents to ensure product stability and environmental safety.

Official Storage Conditions

Requirement Classification
Temperature Do not store above 25 C or 30 C (varies by regional label).
Packaging Store in the original container and keep it well-closed to protect from moisture.
Safety Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Stability Do not use the medicine after the expiry date (EXP) printed on the package.

Required Disposal Instructions

For disposal of unused or expired Dicarbocalm, official guidelines strictly prohibit discarding the medicine via wastewater or household waste. These rules are in place to help protect the environment. Users are required to ask a pharmacist for instructions on the appropriate, environmentally safe method to dispose of the product.

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

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