What is Calcium Acetate: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Calcium Acetate overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Calphron, PhosLo, Phoslyra, Phoslyra

Generic Names:

  • Calcium Acetate

Uses:

  • Reduces the amount of phosphorus in the blood.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Calcium Supplement, Phosphate Binder

Forms:

  • Capsule, Liquid, Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Calcium Acetate used for?

What form(s) does Calcium Acetate come in

  • Capsule

  • Liquid

  • Tablet

What are common Calcium Acetate doses?

  • Tablet 667MG

  • Bottle 500 Tablets

  • Bottle 1GM of

Common Calcium Acetate prescriptions

  • Calcium Acetate (Phos Binder)
    667mg capsule

How to take Calcium Acetate

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Take this medicine with food.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Missed dose: If you have eaten a meal in the past hour, take the missed dose. If it has been more than 1 hour or if it is almost time for your next meal, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Throw away any unused oral liquid after 24 months.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Missed dose: If you have eaten a meal in the past hour, take the missed dose. If it has been more than 1 hour or if it is almost time for your next meal, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Throw away any unused oral liquid after 24 months.

  • Take this medicine with food.

What to do if you miss a dose of Calcium Acetate

Calcium Acetate contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to calcium acetate.

Calcium Acetate warnings

  • This medicine can cause hypercalcemia (too much calcium in your blood). Do not take other calcium supplements or eat foods that have large amounts of calcium (such as milk, cheese, and yogurt) while you are taking this medicine.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Calcium Acetate interactions

  • Some foods and medicines can affect how calcium acetate works. Tell your doctor if you are using digitalis, a vitamin D supplement, or other products containing maltitol

  • Do not use an antacid unless you have talked with your doctor.

  • Oral liquid: Take levothyroxine at least 4 hours before or 4 hours after you take the oral liquid. Take a quinolone antibiotic at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after you take the oral liquid. Take a tetracycline antibiotic at least 1 hour before you take the oral liquid.Take any other medicines at least 1 hour before or 3 hours after you take the oral liquid.

  • Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need help deciding the best times to take your other medicines.

Calcium Acetate side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Constipation, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting

  • Confusion

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Diarrhea

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