DRUGS Calcium Carbonate (Caltrate Plus) 1 tab TID Pharmacologic Class: -Calcium salt

INDICATION Acid indigestion, calcium supplement

MODE OF ACTION Reduces total acid load in GI tract, elevates gastric pH to reduce pepsin activity, strengthens gastric mucosal barrier, and increases esophageal sphincter tone

CONTRAINDICATION -Contraindicated in patients with ventricular fibrillation or hypercalcemia -Use cautiously, if at all, if patients takes a cardiac glycoside or has sarcoidosis or renal or cardiac disease

SIDE EFFECTS gas, incomplete bowel movements, constipation, nausea and stomach pain.

ADVERSE EFFECTS CNS: headache, irritability, weakness GI: nausea, constipation, flatulence

NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES -Record amount and consistency of stools -Monitor calcium level -WOF evidence of hyercalcemia (NV, headache, confusion and anorexia)