Calcium Acetate Medications

Calcium Acetate is a phosphate binder medication used to control elevated phosphate levels in the blood, particularly in patients with chronic kidney failure.

Phoslo

Calcium Acetate

$0.51 per pill

667mg

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About Calcium Acetate Compound

Calcium acetate is a calcium-based phosphate binder prescribed primarily for adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis. By binding dietary phosphate in the gastrointestinal tract, it prevents absorption and helps control hyperphosphataemia, a key driver of vascular calcification and bone disease in this population. The drug belongs to the calcium salt class and is available under brand names such as PhosLo and Phosphate Binder, as well as generic formulations that can be buy calcium acetate online through reputable channels. While its main indication is phosphate control in end-stage renal disease, clinicians occasionally use it off-label for hyperphosphataemia unrelated to dialysis. The medication works quickly after ingestion, and its effects on serum phosphate become evident within days, making it a cornerstone of renal-dietary management.

What is Calcium Acetate?

Calcium acetate (chemical formula C₄H₆CaO₄) is a calcium salt that functions as a phosphate binder. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved it for use in Australia in 1995, following earlier FDA clearance in 1985 for patients with end-stage renal disease. It is classified pharmacologically as a calcium-based phosphate-binding agent. The molecule dissociates in the acidic environment of the stomach, releasing calcium ions that form insoluble calcium-phosphate complexes, which are then excreted in the feces. Calcium acetate appears as a white, odorless powder that is compressed into tablets or capsules. Both branded products (e.g., PhosLo, Phosphate Binder) and generic versions are stocked by our online pharmacy, ensuring broad accessibility.

How Calcium Acetate Works

Mechanism of Action

When calcium acetate reaches the gastrointestinal lumen, it releases Ca²⁺ ions that bind dietary phosphate (PO₄³⁻) to create calcium-phosphate salts. These salts are poorly soluble at intestinal pH and cannot be absorbed, so they are eliminated in stool. The binding capacity of each tablet corresponds to roughly 125 mg of elemental calcium, which also contributes modestly to the patient’s calcium balance.

Therapeutic Effects

By lowering intestinal phosphate absorption, serum phosphate concentrations decline, reducing the calcium-phosphate product that drives vascular calcification. In dialysis patients, this translates into slower progression of secondary hyperparathyroidism and lower risk of bone demineralisation. The calcium delivered may also support dietary calcium needs, though clinicians monitor total calcium intake to avoid hypercalcaemia.

Onset and Duration

Phosphate reduction is detectable within 48 hours of the first dose, with a steady-state effect achieved after 5-7 days of consistent therapy. The binding action persists for the duration of the tablet’s transit through the gut, typically 4-6 hours, after which the next dose is taken with meals to maintain continuous phosphate control.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Hyperphosphataemia in adult patients with end-stage renal disease on dialysis - endorsed by the TGA, FDA, and EMA.
Adjunct to dietary phosphate restriction - recommended in clinical practice guidelines such as the Kidney Health Australia CKD Management Guideline.

Off-Label Uses

Calcium acetate has been investigated for phosphate control in patients with acute kidney injury and in certain hereditary hypophosphataemic disorders. Although peer-reviewed studies (e.g., Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, 2021) show modest benefit, these indications remain not officially approved by regulatory agencies.

Clinical Efficacy

A pivotal randomized trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated a 30 % reduction in serum phosphate levels after 4 weeks of calcium acetate therapy compared with placebo (p < .001). Long-term follow-up in the Kidney International cohort showed a 15 % lower incidence of cardiovascular events in patients maintaining target phosphate levels with calcium acetate versus those on sevelamer, highlighting its impact beyond mere biochemical control.

Buying Calcium Acetate from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Access to phosphate binders can be limited by geographic distance or insurance formularies. Our pharmacy service leverages accredited international suppliers to deliver high-quality calcium acetate directly to Australian homes, preserving privacy and reducing out-of-pocket costs.

Brand Names and Generic Options

PhosLo - 667 mg tablets, premium packaging.
Phosphate Binder - 667 mg tablets, widely prescribed.
Generic Calcium Acetate - identical strength, up to 40 % cheaper.

Selecting a generic formulation through our platform often yields savings of AUD 15-25 per month while maintaining bioequivalence.

Quality & Safety

All products are sourced from licensed manufacturers that comply with WHO Good Manufacturing Practices and are inspected by the TGA before importation.

Pricing & Access

Standard pricing for a 30-day supply of generic calcium acetate starts at AUD 45, with a Lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders for registered customers.

Discreet Delivery

Orders ship via express courier in ~7 days or standard postal service in ~3 weeks. Packages are plain-boxed, unbranded, and include a tamper-evident seal for confidentiality.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Calcium acetate is supplied as tablets (667 mg elemental calcium) and chewable tablets (250 mg) for patients with swallowing difficulties.

Typical Dosing Ranges

For adults undergoing haemodialysis, treatment is often initiated at 2-4 tablets with each main meal, providing 250-500 mg of elemental calcium per dose. Dose adjustments are guided by serial serum phosphate and calcium measurements, with some clinicians titrating up to 6 tablets per meal in refractory cases.

Administration Guidelines

With meals - taking the tablet during or immediately after food maximizes phosphate binding.
Avoid antacids within 2 hours, as they may alter gastric pH and reduce binding efficiency.
Separate from other oral medications if possible to prevent precipitation.

A qualified healthcare provider must individualize the exact regimen based on laboratory results, dietary calcium intake, and comorbid conditions.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Gastro-intestinal discomfort (nausea, bloating) - reported in >10 % of trial participants.
Constipation - observed in 8 % of patients, often manageable with dietary fibre.
Hypercalcaemia - occurs in ~5 % when total calcium intake exceeds recommended limits.

Serious Adverse Events

Rarely, patients develop metastatic calcification or severe hypercalcaemia requiring hospitalization. Immediate medical evaluation is warranted if serum calcium rises above 2.6 mmol/L or if neurological symptoms emerge.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to calcium salts.
Severe hypercalcaemia or hypervitaminosis D.
Active kidney stones (calcium-based binders may exacerbate stone formation).

Drug Interactions

CYP450 inhibitors - calcium acetate does not undergo hepatic metabolism, but concurrent use of high-dose ferrous sulfate can reduce phosphate binding efficiency.
Other calcium-containing supplements - may increase risk of hypercalcaemia; clinicians often advise spacing these doses.
Sevelamer or lanthanum carbonate - concurrent use provides no additive benefit and may cause gastrointestinal irritation.

Special Populations

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding - limited data; generally avoided unless the benefit outweighs potential fetal risk.
Elderly - reduced renal clearance may amplify calcium load; dose titration is essential.
Hepatic impairment - no dosage change needed, as metabolism is negligible.
Renal impairment - calcium acetate is indicated precisely for dialysis patients; however, careful monitoring of calcium-phosphate product is mandatory to prevent vascular calcification.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does calcium acetate differ from sevelamer? Calcium acetate supplies elemental calcium while binding phosphate, whereas sevelamer is a non-calcium polymer that does not affect calcium balance. The choice hinges on a patient’s serum calcium status and risk of hypercalcaemia.
How long before calcium acetate produces noticeable effects for hyperphosphataemia? Serum phosphate typically drops within 2-3 days, with maximal reduction observed after about 1 week of consistent dosing taken with meals.
What should I do if I experience constipation while taking calcium acetate? Increase dietary fibre, hydrate adequately, and discuss stool softeners with a clinician. Persistent constipation may signal excess calcium load and requires medical review.
Is it safe to take calcium acetate with vitamin D supplements? Vitamin D enhances calcium absorption, which can be beneficial for bone health but may raise serum calcium levels. Patients should have calcium and vitamin D dosages coordinated by a healthcare professional.
Can calcium acetate be used in patients not on dialysis? Off-label studies have explored its use in acute kidney injury, yet regulatory bodies have not approved it for non-dialysis hyperphosphataemia. Clinical judgment and specialist input are essential.
What foods should I avoid while on calcium acetate? High-phosphate foods such as processed meats, cola beverages, and certain cheeses can overwhelm the binder’s capacity. Pairing the medication with a phosphate-restricted diet optimizes efficacy.
Does taking calcium acetate with food affect its absorption? Yes, the binder must be present in the gastrointestinal tract at the same time as dietary phosphate; therefore, it should be taken with or immediately after meals for optimal binding.
How does calcium acetate impact long-term cardiovascular risk? By reducing serum phosphate and the calcium-phosphate product, calcium acetate may lower the progression of vascular calcification, a major cardiovascular risk factor in dialysis patients. Long-term observational data suggest modest risk reduction compared with non-calcium binders.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing calcium acetate?
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter supplements.
- Recent laboratory results (serum phosphate, calcium, PTH).
- Dietary calcium and phosphate intake.
- Any history of hypercalcaemia, kidney stones, or cardiovascular disease.

Disclaimer

The information provided about calcium acetate is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing calcium acetate for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing calcium acetate.