Calcium Acetate
Also known as: PhosLo, Calphron, Eliphos, Phosex
- **Administration:** Must be given **with meals** (either just before eating or mixed into the food) to effectively bind the phosphorus in the diet. - **Extra Doses:** Do not give between meals unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian (this is sometimes done if the pet needs extra calcium, but usually it's only for binding phosphorus in food). - **Monitoring:** Your pet will require ongoing laboratory monitoring (blood tests) to ensure calcium and phosphorus levels remain in a safe range.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Hyperphosphatemia associated with chronic renal failure
- Hyperphosphatemia in CKD
- Hyperphosphatemia associated with chronic renal failure
- Hyperphosphatemia in CKD
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Hypercalcemia
- Gastrointestinal intolerance (nausea)
Cautions & contraindications
- Pre-existing hypercalcemia
- > **Warning:** Do not use in patients with pre-existing hypercalcemia. - **Ca × P Product:** Use with extreme caution if the serum calcium and phosphorus product exceeds 60 due to the risk of metastatic soft tissue mineralization. - **Concurrent Calcitriol:** The concurrent use of calcium-based binders and calcitriol is controversial; some consider it contraindicated, while others require intensified monitoring for hypercalcemia. - **Monitoring:** Adequate monitoring of serum ionized calcium and phosphorus is strictly required.
Drug interactions
- Calcitriol: May lead to hypercalcemia; if used concomitantly, intensified monitoring for hypercalcemia is mandatory.
- Digoxin: Not recommended; hypercalcemia induced by calcium acetate may cause serious arrhythmias in patients on digoxin.
- Fluoroquinolones: Oral calcium can reduce the absorption of fluoroquinolones. Separate dosages by at least two hours.
- Tetracyclines: Oral calcium can reduce the absorption of tetracyclines. Separate dosages by at least two hours.
- Levothyroxine: Decreased absorption of levothyroxine
Frequently asked questions
What is Calcium Acetate used for in pets?
- **Administration:** Must be given **with meals** (either just before eating or mixed into the food) to effectively bind the phosphorus in the diet. - **Extra Doses:** Do not give between meals unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian (this is sometimes done if the pet needs extra calcium, but usually it's only for binding phosphorus in food). - **Monitoring:** Your pet will require ongoing laboratory monitoring (blood tests) to ensure calcium and phosphorus levels remain in a safe range.
Is Calcium Acetate safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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