Definition

Calcium carbonate poisoning is an overdose of calcium carbonate, which is commonly found in antacids (for heart burn) and some dietary supplements.

Alternative Names

Tums overdose; Calcium overdose

Poisonous Ingredient

Calcium

Where Found

  • Calcium carbonate
  • Some antacids (Tums, Chooz)
  • Some mineral supplements
  • Some vitamin and mineral supplements
  • Some hand lotions
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

  • Muscles, bones, and joints
    • Bone pain
  • Gastrointestinal
    • Abdominal pain
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Constipation
    • Diarrhea
  • Heart and blood
    • Irregular heartbeat
  • Nervous system:
    • Confusion
    • Depression
    • Coma
    • Headache

Home Treatment

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

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

  • Patient's age, weight, and condition
  • The name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
  • When it was swallowed
  • The 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 U.S. 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 National Poison Control center.

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. The patient may receive:

  • Blood tests
  • Medicines to treat symptoms
  • Activated charcoal
  • A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage) 
Review Date:2/28/2006
Reviewed By: Stephen C Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.