calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

calcium carbonate is an antacid and a calcium supplement. It works by neutralizing excess stomach acid, providing relief from conditions like acid indigestion, heartburn, and sour stomach. magnesium hydroxide is primarily used as an antacid and laxative. It works by neutralizing stomach acid, like calcium carbonate.

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

For magnesium hydroxide 

Vomiting 

Muscle weakness 

Hypotension  

Electrolyte imbalance 

Parageusia 

Respiratory depression 

Abdominal cramps 

Nausea 

Diarrhea 

Constipation 

For calcium carbonate 

Hypercalcemia 

Acid rebound 

Flatulence 

Vomiting 

Hypophosphatemia 

Anorexia  

Xerostomia 

Milk-alkali syndrome 

Nausea 

Constipation 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• Individuals with known allergies or hypersensitivity to calcium carbonate/ magnesium hydroxide should avoid using products containing these drugs. 

Caution: 

• Individuals with impaired kidney function should use calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide with caution. 
• calcium carbonate should be used with caution in individuals with hypercalcemia.  
• Individuals with a history of kidney stones or kidney disease should use calcium carbonate/ magnesium hydroxide with caution. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:     

Pregnancy category: C (for calcium carbonate); B (for magnesium hydroxide) 

Lactation: both drugs are present in human breast milk, and it is safe to use 

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.  

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women. 

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology  

calcium carbonate is source of calcium supplement. It provides a source of elemental calcium, which is essential for various physiological functions, including bone health, nerve function, muscle contraction, and blood clotting. magnesium hydroxide can act as an osmotic laxative. It draws water into the intestines, softening the stool and promoting bowel movements. 

Pharmacodynamics 

calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide has the potential to affect the acid-base balance in the body due to their neutralizing action on stomach acid.  

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

calcium carbonate is partially ionized in the stomach in the presence of gastric acid. 

magnesium hydroxide is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal track.  

Distribution 

calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide both distributed throughout the body.  

Metabolism 

calcium carbonate is not significantly metabolized within the body.  

magnesium hydroxide undergoes limited metabolism in the body.  

Elimination and excretion 

calcium carbonate is mainly excreted in the feces.  

magnesium hydroxide is excreted through the kidneys.  

Adminstartion

Administration 

calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide is administered orally in various forms, such as tablets, capsules, suspensions, chewable tablets. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide 

Why do we use calcium carbonate/ magnesium hydroxide? 

calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide are used to provide relief from acid indigestion and heartburn. It is also used to relieve symptoms of sour stomach, which is often associated with an upset stomach, bloating, and a feeling of discomfort.