Disclaimer to the Online Edition
This Manual has been designed for use in the NICU at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), London, Ontario, Canada, and represents clinical practice at this institution. The information contained within the Manual may not be applicable to other centres. If users of this Manual are not familiar with a drug, it is recommended that the official monograph be consulted before it is prescribed and administered. Any user of this information is advised that the contributors, Editor and LHSC are not responsible for any errors or omissions, and / or any consequences arising from the use of the information in this Manual.
calcium carbonate
Indication
- Treatment of hypocalcemia in neonates tolerating oral supplements
- Treatment of metabolic bone disease of prematurity, usually in conjunction with phosphate supplements
Dosage Guidelines
- Hypocalcemia: 25-75 mg/kg/dose oral q6 hours (elemental calcium: 40-120 mg/kg/day)
- Maintenance: 12.5-25 mg/kg/dose oral q6 hours (elemental calcium: 20-40 mg/kg/day)
- Metabolic bone disease of prematurity: Start at 75 mg/kg/day (elemental calcium: 30 mg/kg/day)
For acute IV treatment, see calcium gluconate
Administration
- Oral: mix with feeds
- Do not administer at the same time as phosphate or iron (ferrous sulfate) supplements
Adverse Effects
- Irritating to gastric mucosa (give with feeds)
- Constipation
Comments
- Monitor response to therapy: serum ionized calcium, serum phosphate and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels twice monthly for osteopenia
- 1 mg elemental calcium = 0.025 mmol elemental calcium
- Calcium carbonate suspension 200 mg/mL provides 80 mg elemental calcium/mL or 2 mmol elemental calcium/mL
Supplied As
200 mg/mL oral suspension (preservative-free)
References
Mount Sinai NICU medication manual