Tums

Alternative names

Calcium carbonate overdose; Calcium

Definition

Calcium carbonate poisoning is an overdose of calcium carbonate, which is commonly available in supplements and antacids.

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

• Body as a whole
  o Bone pain
  
• Gastrointestinal
  o Abdominal pain
  o Nausea and vomiting
  o Constipation
  o Diarrhea
  
• Heart and blood vessels
  o Irregular heartbeat
  
• Nervous system:
  o Confusion
  o Depression
  o Coma
  

Home Treatment

DO NOT induce vomiting. If you suspect a calcium carbonate overdose, seek emergency medical care immediately.

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
See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

• Placing a tube down the nose and into the stomach (a nasogastric or NG tube) to wash out the stomach
  
• Administering activated charcoal
  
• Taking a blood sample
  
• Giving IV fluids
  
• Admission to the hospital