Calcium Acetate

Calcium Acetate: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Calcium acetate lowers serum phosphate levels over a wider pH range than calcium carbonate by binding phosphorus in the GI tract.

Uses of Calcium acetate

• Reduction of phosphate in chronic renal failure.
• When low phosphate diets don’t succeed, phosphate-binding drugs are frequently applied.
• If attempting to obtain target blood concentrations, check serum phosphate levels every 4-6 weeks and alter dosage as necessary. Take note of any hypercalcemia.

Dose of Calcium acetate in Dogs and Cats

Dogs, Cats:

Chronic kidney disease: 60–90 mg/kg p.o. q24h divided (given with each meal).

Side Effects of Calcium acetate in Dogs and Cats

• There is a risk that the calcium: phosphate ratio may rise, which will increase the likelihood of vascular and soft tissue calcification.

Contraindications of Calcium acetate in Dogs and Cats

• Hypercalcaemia and calcium urolithiasis.

Some Notes:

• May affect the absorption of tetracycline and fluoroquinolone antibiotics.
• Increased risk of hypercalcemia with concurrent calcitriol administration.