Medical Encyclopedia: Calcium carbonate with magnesium overdose (Print Version)

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Medical Encyclopedia: Calcium carbonate with magnesium overdose

URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002539.htm

Alternative names

Rolaids overdose; Antacids overdose

Definition

The combination of calcium carbonate and magnesium is commonly found in antacids, which are medicines that provide heartburn relief.

Calcium carbonate with magnesium overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of a substance containing these ingredients.

See also: Calcium carbonate overdose

Poisonous Ingredient

Calcium carbonate and magnesium

Where Found

Calcium carbonate with magnesium is found in many (but not all) antacids, including the following brands:

Maalox
Mylanta
Rolaids
Tums

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

Bone pain (from chronic overuse)
Constipation
Decreased reflexes
Diarrhea
Dry mouth
Irregular heartbeat
Poor balance
Shallow, rapid breathing
Stupor (lack of alertness)

Home Treatment

Seek immediate medical help. Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

Patient's age, weight, and condition
Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
Time it was swallowed
Amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive:

Activated charcoal
Breathing support
Fluids by IV
Laxative
Tube through the mouth into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)

Expectations (prognosis)

With proper medical treatment, recovery is good.

Update Date: 10/29/2007

Updated by: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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