Note: This document contains side effect information about calcium acetate. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name PhosLo.
Applies to calcium acetate: oral capsule, oral solution, oral tablet.
Serious side effects of PhosLo
Along with its needed effects, calcium acetate (the active ingredient contained in PhosLo) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking calcium acetate:
More common
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- confusion
- constipation
- depression
- dry mouth
- full or partial loss of consciousness
- headache
- incoherent speech
- increased urination
- loss of appetite
- metallic taste
- muscle weakness
- nausea or vomiting
- thirst
- unusual tiredness
- weight loss
Incidence not known
- Swelling
Other side effects of PhosLo
Some side effects of calcium acetate may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Diarrhea
Less common
- Itching
Incidence not known
- Dizziness
- weakness
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to calcium acetate: compounding powder, injectable solution, oral capsule, oral liquid, oral tablet.
General
The most common adverse events were hypercalcemia, nausea, and diarrhea.[Ref]
Metabolic
Very common (10% or more): Hypercalcemia (16.3%)[Ref]
Hypercalcemia was usually asymptomatic or manifested as constipation, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting, and in 0.1% of patients caused confusion, delirium, stupor, or coma.[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Very common (10% or more): Nausea (14%), diarrhea (13.2%)
Common (1% to 10%): Vomiting
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Constipation[Ref]
Dermatologic
Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus[Ref]
Other
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Soft tissue calcification
Postmarketing reports: Edema, weakness[Ref]
Nervous system
Postmarketing reports: Dizziness[Ref]
