title: Variable efficacy of calcium carbonate tablets.
abstract: Orally administered calcium carbonate tablets are commonly prescribed as a calcium supplement and for their phosphate-binding effects in renal failure patients. Two cases are reported in which a commercially available brand of calcium carbonate tablets appeared to be ineffective. Formal investigation of the bioavailability of this product revealed it to have impaired disintegration and dissolution and a lack of clinical efficacy. Recommendations that will enable physicians to avoid prescribing and pharmacists to avoid dispensing ineffective calcium carbonate tablets are proposed.
authors.affiliation: Albert Einstein Medical Center, Kraftsow Division of Nephrology, Philadelphia, PA 19141.
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Kobrin
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Goldstein
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Shangraw
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Raja
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001682:Biological Availability; D002119:Calcium Carbonate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013607:Tablets; D013810:Therapeutic Equivalency
chemical_list: D013607:Tablets; D002119:Calcium Carbonate