Also indexed as: Phosex®, PhosLo®
Calcium acetate is used to prevent high phosphorus blood levels in people with kidney
failure.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, a herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem
contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized
interactions.
 May be Beneficial: Depletion or
interference—The medication may deplete or interfere with the absorption or
function of the nutrient. Taking these nutrients may help replenish them. |
Zinc
|
| May be Beneficial: Supportive
interaction—Taking these supplements may support or otherwise help your medication
work better. |
Food
|
Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this
medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results. |
Antacids (calcium-containing)
Calcium
|
| Side effect reduction/prevention |
None known
|
| Reduced drug
absorption/bioavailability |
None known
|
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the
interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific
evidence.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Calcium
People with kidney failure may develop high blood levels of calcium while taking calcium
acetate. Since calcium acetate is a source of supplemental calcium, people taking the drug
should avoid taking additional calcium supplements.1 People experiencing adverse
effects of high blood calcium—such as loss of appetite, mental depression, poor memory,
and muscle weakness—should notify their doctor.
Zinc
People with renal failure or on hemodialysis often have low blood levels of zinc, which may
produce symptoms such as abnormal taste or smell, reduced sexual functions, and poor immunity.
One controlled study showed that taking zinc at the same time as calcium acetate reduces
absorption of zinc.2 Therefore, people should avoid taking calcium acetate and zinc
supplements together. Another controlled study revealed that neither short-term nor long-term
treatment with calcium acetate results in reduced blood zinc levels.3 Thus, while
calcium acetate reduces the amount of zinc absorbed from supplements, long-term treatment with
the drug does not appear to affect overall zinc status. However, people with renal failure who
experience symptoms of zinc deficiency might benefit from supplementing with zinc, regardless
of whether or not they take calcium acetate.
Interaction with Foods and Other Compounds
Food
Taking calcium acetate with food reduces absorption of phosphorus, which is the goal of
therapy.4 Therefore, calcium acetate should be taken with a meal.
Antacids
(Calcium-containing)
Calcium-containing antacids, when taken together with calcium acetate, may result in
abnormally high blood levels of calcium.5 Consequently, people taking calcium
acetate should avoid taking calcium-containing antacids.
References
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1. Sifton DW, et. Physicians’ Desk Reference. Montvale,
NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 811–2.
2. Hwang SH, Lai YH, Chen HC, Tsai JH. Comparisons of the effects of
calcium carbonate and calcium acetate on zinc tolerance test in hemodialysis patients. Am
J Kidney Dis 1992;19:57–60
3. Hwang SJ, Chang JM, Lee SC, et al. Short- and long-term uses of
calcium acetate do not change hair and serum zinc concentrations in hemodialysis patients.
Scand J Clin Lab Invest 1999;59:83–7.
4. Schiller LR, Santa Ana CA, Sheikh MS, et al. Effect of the time of
administration of calcium acetate on phosphorus binding. N Engl J Med
1989;320:1110–3.
5. Sifton DW, et. Physicians’ Desk Reference. Montvale,
NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 811–2.
Copyright © 2006 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved.
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with Vitamins and Herbs
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes
only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical
experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not
necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before
making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.
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