Calcium Acetate
Calcium Acetate is a phosphate binder medication used to control elevated serum phosphorus levels in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly those undergoing dialysis. When taken with meals, it binds to dietary phosphate in the gastrointestinal tract, forming an insoluble complex that is excreted in feces, thereby reducing phosphate absorption and helping maintain normal serum phosphorus levels.
Calcium Acetate is a phosphate binder that controls high phosphorus levels in chronic kidney disease patients by binding dietary phosphate in the gut.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- V03AE07
- RxNorm
- 214342
- Generic
- Calcium Acetate
- Class
- atc-v03
- Brands
- Phoslyra, Domeboro, Nutrilyte, Calphron, Phoslo, ProcalAmine 3
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Routes
- topical, oral
- Forms
- solution, tablet, capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid use unless clearly needed, only if benefits outweigh potential risks
regular prenatal care and fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits outweigh risks, monitor calcium levels closely
regular maternal and fetal monitoring, check calcium levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits outweigh risks, monitor calcium and phosphate levels
frequent monitoring of maternal calcium, phosphate, and fetal growth
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, monitor infant calcium if concerns
infant monitoring not typically required unless premature or ill
geriatric
elderlystart with lower dose, adjust based on response
use with caution due to age-related changes in renal function, monitor calcium levels regularly
regular monitoring of serum calcium, phosphate, and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 2 12 yearsweight-based dosing, start low
use only under close medical supervision, pediatric formulation may be needed
close monitoring of serum calcium, phosphate, and growth parameters
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
chronic kidney disease stage 3 4no dose adjustment needed, dose based on phosphate levels
primary indication for use, monitor calcium levels to avoid hypercalcemia
regular monitoring of serum calcium, phosphate, and PTH levels
renal_impairment
end stage renal diseasedosing with meals based on phosphorus content
primary population for this medication, take with meals
monthly monitoring of serum calcium and phosphate
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
no specific precautions needed, drug not significantly metabolized by liver
standard monitoring as per CKD guidelines
alcohol_users
chronic alcohol useuse with caution
alcohol may affect calcium metabolism, monitor calcium levels closely
monitor serum calcium and liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information for calcium acetate phosphate binders
Drug class
Calcium-based phosphate binder used in renal disease
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indication for calcium acetate
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic mechanism
Calcium Acetate is primarily indicated for the control of hyperphosphatemia (elevated serum phosphorus) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on dialysis. It is used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes dietary phosphate restriction and dialysis.
As a calcium-based phosphate binder, Calcium Acetate works by binding to dietary phosphate in the intestinal lumen, forming an insoluble calcium phosphate complex that cannot be absorbed. This complex is then excreted in the stool, effectively reducing the amount of phosphate that enters the bloodstream and lowering serum phosphorus concentrations.
Calcium Acetate should be taken with meals for maximum effectiveness. Patients should be monitored for hypercalcemia, and serum calcium levels should be checked regularly. It may interact with other medications by reducing their absorption, so timing of other medications should be carefully considered. Not recommended for patients with hypercalcemia or known sensitivity to calcium.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy