Calcium Carbonate-Magnesium Hydroxide

Calcium Carbonate-Magnesium Hydroxide is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used to treat indigestion, upset stomach, and heartburn.

• Calcium Carbonate-Magnesium Hydroxide is available under the following different brand names: Rolaids Extra Strength, Rolaids Regular Strength, Rolaids Regular Strength Liquid, Rolaids Ultra Strength, Rolaids Ultra Strength Liquid, Mylanta Supreme

Common side effects of Calcium Carbonate-Magnesium Hydroxide include:

• diarrhea.
• constipation; or
• upset stomach.

Serious side effects of Calcium Carbonate-Magnesium Hydroxide include:

• hives. 
• difficult breathing. 
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
• increased thirst or urination.
• muscle weakness, bone pain.
• confusion, weakness, and feeling tired.
• trouble breathing; or
• slow heart rate, feeling light-headed.

Rare side effects of Calcium Carbonate-Magnesium Hydroxide include:

none 

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
• Serious heart symptoms include fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out.

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult dosage

Chewable tablet

• 550 mg/110 mg (Rolaids Regular Strength)
• 675 mg/135 mg (Rolaids Extra Strength)
• 1000 mg/200 mg (Rolaids Ultra Strength)

Oral suspension

• (400 mg/135 mg)/5mL (Mylanta Supreme)
• (550 mg/110 mg)/5mL (Rolaids Regular Strength Liquid)
• (1000 mg/200 mg)/5mL (Rolaids Ultra Strength Liquid)

Heartburn & Indigestion

Adult dosage

Antacid: Typical dose of 800-3,000 mg of calcium carbonate orally as needed for symptoms

• Tablet: Chew 2-4 tabs orally as needed
• Suspension: 10-20 mL orally as needed
• Tablet and suspension strength varies; not to exceed approximately 7 g of calcium carbonate/day

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Calcium Carbonate-Magnesium Hydroxide has severe interactions with the following drug
  • ceftriaxone
• Calcium Carbonate-Magnesium Hydroxide has serious interactions with at least 28 other drugs.
• Calcium Carbonate-Magnesium Hydroxide has moderate interactions with at least 146 others drugs.
• Calcium Carbonate-Magnesium Hydroxide has minor interactions with at least 87 others drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your products. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your healthcare professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• Calcium carbonate
• Hypersensitivity
• Hypercalciuria
• Renal calculi
• Hypophosphatemia
• Hypercalcemia
• Suspected digoxin toxicity
• Magnesium hydroxide
• Hypersensitivity
• Renal failure
• Existing electrolyte imbalance
• Appendicitis symptoms
• Acute surgical abdomen
• Myocardial damage
• Heart block
• Fecal impaction
• Rectal fissures
• Intestinal obstruction or perforation

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Calcium Carbonate-Magnesium Hydroxide?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Calcium Carbonate-Magnesium Hydroxide?”

Cautions

• OTC use: Do not use the maximum dosage for above 2 weeks; if symptoms persist, discontinue and contact a healthcare provider
• Magnesium hydroxide: Caution with neuromuscular disease (.g, myasthenia gravis) and renal insufficiency
• Calcium carbonate: Caution with a history of kidney stones; Ca oxalate formation may increase risk

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Pregnancy Category: Use with caution if the benefits outweigh the risks during pregnancy. (Calcium carbonate); May be acceptable. (Magnesium hydroxide)
• Calcium and magnesium both cross the placenta; antacids containing calcium or magnesium are low risk during pregnancy, however, avoid excessive use
• Supplement calcium and magnesium during pregnancy and lactation according to recommended daily allowance
• Lactation: 
  • Calcium and magnesium both appear in breast milk, use in nursing mothers appears to be safe
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should seek the advice of a health professional before using OTC drugs