Definition

This poisoning is from taking excessive amounts of calcium carbonate with magnesium.

Alternative Names

Rolaids overdose; Antacids overdose

Poisonous Ingredient

Calcium carbonate and magnesium.

Where Found

Calcium carbonate with magnesium is found in many (but not all) antacids, which are products that relief heartburn. Brands that include these ingredients include Tums, Rolaids, Mylanta, and Maalox.

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

Home Treatment

If you believe someone has taken too many antacids containing calcium carbonate with magnesium, seek immediate medical care and call Poison Control.

Do not make the person throw up.

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 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.

Bring the package with you to the emergency room.

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:

  • Fluids
  • Medicines to treat symptoms
  • Activated charcoal
  • Laxative
  • A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)   
  • Artificial respiration
  • Endoscopy

Expectations (prognosis)

With proper medical treatment, recovery is good.

Review Date:2/10/2006
Reviewed By: Janeen R. Azare, PhD, MSPH, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-KetteringCancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.