Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)

What is it?

Calcium carbonate (CaC03) is a common additive in pharmaceutical industry. It can be used a color additive, and is a fine, white, synthetically prepared powder consisting essentially of precipitated calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Calcium carbonate, as an active ingredient, is also used as a dietary supplement used when the amount of calcium taken in the diet is not enough. Calcium is needed by the body for healthy bones, muscles, nervous system, and heart. Calcium carbonate also is used as an antacid to relieve heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach. It is available with or without a prescription. All carbonate salts are on the FDA generally regarded as safe list. There is no evidence in the available information on calcium carbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, or sodium sesquicarbonate that demonstrates or suggests reasonable grounds to suspect a hazard to the public when used at normal levels that are now current or that might reasonably be expected in the future.