Calcium phosphate, tribasic

Generic name: calcium phosphate, tribasic (tricalcium phosphate) [ KAL-see-um-FOSS-fate, tri-BAY-sick ]
Brand names: Posture, Tums Gummy Bites
Dosage form: oral tablet (600 mg)
Drug class: Minerals and electrolytes

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 26, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is calcium phosphate?

Calcium phosphate (tricalcium phosphate) is a mineral that is used as a supplement in people who do not get enough calcium from food.

Calcium phosphate is used to treat calcium deficiencies that may be associated with low blood calcium, a parathyroid disorder, or osteoporosis and other bone conditions.

Calcium phosphate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Calcium phosphate side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Calcium phosphate may cause serious side effects. Stop using calcium phosphate and call your doctor at once if you have:

severe nausea, vomiting, or constipation; or
high blood calcium--confusion, tiredness, loss of appetite, increased thirst or urination, weight loss; or
symptoms of a kidney stone--severe pain in your side or lower back, blood in your urine, painful urination.

Less serious side effects may include:

nausea, stomach bloating;
constipation; or
gas.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Follow all directions on the label and package. Use exactly as directed.

Before taking this medicine

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if calcium phosphate, tribasic is safe to use if you have ever had:

high blood levels of calcium;
kidney disease, kidney stones;
a lung disorder called sarcoidosis;
a pancreas disorder;
decreased stomach acid; or
any condition that makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients from food (malabsorption).

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I take calcium phosphate?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Take with food.

If you take more than 1 tablet, space your doses evenly at different times of the day.

You may need medical tests.

You may need to follow a special diet or take vitamin D supplements. Follow all instructions of your doctor or dietitian. Learn about the foods you should eat or avoid.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.