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Guardian Regular Strength Alkums

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Active ingredient
Calcium Carbonate 500 mg
Other brand names
Drug classes
Blood Coagulation Factor, Phosphate Binder
Dosage form
Tablet, Chewable
Route
Oral
Prescription status
OTC (over the counter)
Pregnancy
See Pregnancy Use Section
Lactation
See Lactation Use Section
Marketed in the U.S.
Since 2021
Label revision date
November 22, 2023
Drug Information (PDF)
Prescribing information, PDF file
Active ingredient
Calcium Carbonate 500 mg
Other brand names
Drug classes
Blood Coagulation Factor, Phosphate Binder
Dosage form
Tablet, Chewable
Route
Oral
Prescription status
OTC (over the counter)
CSA schedule
Not a scheduled drug
Pregnancy
See Pregnancy Use Section
Lactation
See Lactation Use Section
Marketed in the U.S.
Since 2021
Label revision date
November 22, 2023
Manufacturer
Guardian Drug Company
Registration number
part331
NDC root
53041-098
Drug Information (PDF)
Prescribing information, PDF file
Packaging Info
Packaging & NDC Codes

If you are a healthcare professional or from the pharmaceutical industry please visit this version.

If you are a consumer or patient please visit this version.

Drug Overview

Alkums are chewable antacid tablets that contain calcium carbonate (a substance that helps neutralize stomach acid). They are designed to relieve symptoms of acid indigestion and heartburn, providing you with quick relief when you need it. Each package contains 150 tablets in assorted fruit flavors, making them a convenient option for managing occasional discomfort.

Uses

If you're experiencing discomfort from acid indigestion or heartburn, this medication can help relieve those symptoms. Acid indigestion is often characterized by a burning sensation in your stomach or chest, while heartburn is the feeling of warmth or pain that can rise from your stomach to your throat.

You can use this medication to find relief from these common digestive issues, allowing you to feel more comfortable throughout your day. Rest assured, there are no known teratogenic effects (which means it doesn't cause birth defects) associated with this medication.

Dosage and Administration

If you are an adult or a child aged 12 years and older, you can take this medication by chewing 2 to 4 tablets whenever you experience symptoms, or as your doctor advises. It's important to follow the recommended dosage to ensure you get the best results. Always consult with your healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to use this medication effectively.

What to Avoid

It's important to use this medication responsibly to ensure your safety. You should not take more than 15 tablets within a 24-hour period. Additionally, avoid using the maximum dosage for more than 2 weeks unless your doctor has advised you to do so. Following these guidelines will help prevent potential issues and ensure the medication works effectively for you. Always consult with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your treatment.

Side Effects

You may not experience specific side effects from this medication, but it's important to be aware that antacids can interact with certain prescription drugs. This means that if you are taking other medications, the effectiveness of those drugs could be affected. Always consult with your healthcare provider about any potential interactions to ensure your treatment remains safe and effective.

Warnings and Precautions

It's important to use this medication safely. You should not take more than 15 tablets in a 24-hour period, and avoid using the maximum dosage for more than 2 weeks unless your doctor advises you to do so.

Before starting this medication, consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you are currently taking any prescription drugs, as antacids can interact with certain medications. If you experience any unusual symptoms or have concerns, it's best to stop taking the medication and reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance.

Overdose

If you suspect an overdose of this medication, it's important to stay calm and take immediate action. While the drug insert does not provide specific information about overdose, you should be aware of general signs that may indicate an overdose, such as unusual drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty breathing.

If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help right away. It's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health. If you are ever in doubt, contacting a healthcare professional or poison control center can provide you with the guidance you need.

Pregnancy Use

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using this medication. They can provide guidance on whether it’s safe for you and your baby. Always prioritize your health and the health of your child by seeking expert advice.

Lactation Use

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any medication. This ensures that you understand any potential risks and can make informed decisions about your health and the health of your baby. Always prioritize open communication with your doctor regarding your breastfeeding journey.

Pediatric Use

When it comes to using this medication for children, it's important to note that it is intended for adults and children aged 12 years and older. If your child is within this age range, they can chew 2 to 4 tablets as needed for their symptoms, or follow the guidance of a doctor.

Always remember to keep this medication out of reach of younger children to ensure their safety. If you have any concerns or questions about its use, don't hesitate to consult with a healthcare professional.

Geriatric Use

While there is no specific information available about the use of this medication in older adults, it’s important to approach any new treatment with caution. Since older adults may have different health needs and responses to medications, you should always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication. They can help determine the right dosage and monitor for any potential side effects, ensuring that the treatment is safe and effective for you or your loved one.

Renal Impairment

If you have kidney problems, it's important to know that there are no specific guidelines or dosage adjustments mentioned for your condition in the available information. This means that the usual recommendations for monitoring or safety considerations related to renal impairment (kidney issues) are not provided.

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to ensure that any medications you take are safe and appropriate for your kidney health. They can help you understand how your condition may affect your treatment plan.

Hepatic Impairment

If you have liver problems, it's important to know that the drug insert does not provide specific information about dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or precautions for your condition. This means that there are no tailored guidelines for how this medication may affect you if you have hepatic impairment (liver issues).

Before starting any new medication, including this one, you should discuss your liver health with your healthcare provider. They can help determine the best approach for your treatment and ensure your safety.

Drug Interactions

It's important to be aware that antacids, which are commonly used to relieve heartburn and indigestion, can interact with some prescription medications. This means that taking antacids at the same time as certain drugs may affect how well those medications work.

To ensure your safety and the effectiveness of your treatments, always discuss any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter products like antacids, with your healthcare provider. They can help you understand potential interactions and adjust your treatment plan if necessary.

Storage and Handling

To ensure the safety and effectiveness of your product, store it at room temperature in a cool, dry place. It's important to keep the container tightly closed to protect its contents. Before using, check that the printed seal under the cap is intact; do not use the product if the seal is torn or open, as this could compromise its safety. Following these guidelines will help you use the product safely and effectively.

Additional Information

You should take this medication orally. There are no additional details available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, patient counseling, or postmarketing experiences. If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment, be sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

FAQ

What is Alkums?

Alkums is an antacid tablet that contains 500 mg of calcium carbonate.

What does Alkums relieve?

Alkums relieves acid indigestion and heartburn.

How should I take Alkums?

Adults and children 12 years and older should chew 2-4 tablets as symptoms occur, or as directed by a doctor.

What is the maximum dosage for Alkums?

Do not take more than 15 tablets in a 24-hour period, and do not use the maximum dosage for more than 2 weeks without a doctor's advice.

Are there any side effects associated with Alkums?

No specific side effects are listed for Alkums.

Can Alkums be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a health professional before using Alkums.

How should I store Alkums?

Store Alkums at room temperature and keep the container tightly closed. Do not use if the printed seal under the cap is torn or open.

Can Alkums interact with other medications?

Yes, antacids like Alkums may interact with certain prescription drugs, so consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other medications.

Packaging Info

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Guardian Regular Strength Alkums (calcium carbonate). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Packaging configurations for Guardian Regular Strength Alkums.
Details

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Guardian Regular Strength Alkums, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)

Description

Guardian is an antacid formulation that contains Calcium Carbonate as its active ingredient, with a strength of 500 mg per tablet. It is comparable to the active ingredient found in Tums®. The product is available in a dosage form of chewable tablets, presented in assorted fruit flavors. Each bottle contains 150 chewable tablets. The National Drug Code (NDC) for this product is 53041-098-17.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the relief of acid indigestion and heartburn.

There are no teratogenic effects associated with this drug, nor are there any nonteratogenic effects mentioned.

Dosage and Administration

Adults and children 12 years of age and over are advised to chew 2 to 4 tablets as symptoms occur, or as directed by a healthcare professional. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and not exceed the maximum dosage unless specifically instructed by a physician.

Contraindications

Use of this product is contraindicated in patients who exceed the recommended dosage of 15 tablets within a 24-hour period or utilize the maximum dosage for more than 2 weeks without the advice and supervision of a healthcare professional.

Warnings and Precautions

Healthcare professionals should be aware of the following warnings and precautions associated with the use of this product.

General precautions must be observed to ensure safe usage. It is imperative that patients do not exceed a maximum of 15 tablets within a 24-hour period. Additionally, the maximum dosage should not be utilized for more than 2 weeks unless directed and monitored by a healthcare provider.

Before recommending this product, it is essential to advise patients to consult with a doctor or pharmacist if they are currently taking any prescription medications. This is particularly important as antacids may interact with certain prescription drugs, potentially leading to adverse effects or reduced efficacy of the medications.

No specific laboratory tests or emergency medical help instructions are provided in the current guidelines. However, ongoing monitoring of patient responses and interactions with other medications is advised to ensure safety and efficacy.

Side Effects

Patients should be aware that no specific side effects have been listed for this medication. However, it is important to note that antacids may interact with certain prescription drugs, which could lead to adverse reactions or diminished efficacy of the prescribed treatment.

Healthcare providers should monitor patients for any potential interactions and advise them accordingly to ensure safe and effective use of the medication in conjunction with antacids.

Drug Interactions

Antacids may interact with various prescription medications, potentially affecting their absorption and efficacy. It is advisable to monitor the timing of antacid administration in relation to other medications to minimize these interactions. Specifically, antacids should be taken at least 2 hours apart from other drugs to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes. Healthcare professionals should consider this timing when prescribing medications that may be affected by antacids.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Guardian Regular Strength Alkums (calcium carbonate). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Packaging configurations for Guardian Regular Strength Alkums.
Details

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients aged 12 years and older may chew 2-4 tablets as symptoms occur, or as directed by a healthcare professional. It is important to keep this medication out of reach of children to ensure safety.

Geriatric Use

There is no specific information available regarding the use of this medication in geriatric patients, including dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions. Healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to elderly patients, as individual responses may vary. Monitoring for potential adverse effects and therapeutic efficacy is recommended in this population.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and those who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional before using this medication. The potential risks and benefits must be carefully considered, as the effects on fetal outcomes and lactation are not fully established. It is essential for women of childbearing potential to seek medical advice to ensure safe use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Lactation

Lactating mothers are advised to consult a health professional prior to using this medication. There is no specific data available regarding the excretion of this drug in human breast milk or its effects on breastfed infants. Therefore, caution is recommended when administering this medication to lactating individuals.

Renal Impairment

There is no specific information available regarding dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations for patients with renal impairment. Healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing to patients with reduced kidney function, as the absence of detailed guidance necessitates careful clinical judgment. Regular monitoring of renal function may be advisable in this patient population.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment have not been specifically studied in relation to the use of this medication. Consequently, there are no established dosage adjustments, special monitoring requirements, or precautions outlined for individuals with compromised liver function. It is recommended that healthcare providers exercise caution when prescribing this medication to patients with hepatic impairment, given the lack of data on its safety and efficacy in this population. Regular monitoring of liver function may be prudent in these cases, although specific parameters are not defined in the available information.

Overdosage

In the context of overdosage, it is important to note that the available sections of the drug insert do not provide specific information regarding potential overdosage scenarios.

Given the absence of detailed guidance, healthcare professionals are advised to exercise caution and consider general principles of management in cases of suspected overdosage.

Recommended Actions In the event of an overdosage, it is essential to monitor the patient closely for any adverse effects. Supportive care should be initiated as necessary, and symptomatic treatment should be provided based on the clinical presentation.

Potential Symptoms While specific symptoms related to overdosage are not outlined, healthcare providers should remain vigilant for any unusual or severe reactions that may arise, and act accordingly to ensure patient safety.

Management Procedures In the absence of specific antidotes or treatment protocols, healthcare professionals should refer to established guidelines for managing drug overdosage and consider consulting a poison control center for additional support and recommendations tailored to the situation.

Overall, due diligence and a proactive approach are essential in managing potential overdosage cases, even in the absence of explicit information.

Nonclinical Toxicology

No teratogenic or non-teratogenic effects have been reported in the available nonclinical studies. Additionally, there is no information regarding animal pharmacology and toxicology. The absence of data limits the assessment of potential risks associated with the use of the compound in these contexts.

Postmarketing Experience

No postmarketing experience details are available in the insert text.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients not to exceed a maximum of 15 tablets within a 24-hour period. Additionally, patients should be informed that the maximum dosage of this product should not be used for more than 2 weeks unless directed by a healthcare professional.

It is also important for healthcare providers to encourage patients to consult with a doctor or pharmacist prior to use if they are currently taking any prescription medications. Patients should be made aware that antacids may interact with certain prescription drugs, and this interaction could affect the efficacy of their treatment.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in a container that must be kept tightly closed to maintain its integrity. It should be stored at room temperature to ensure optimal conditions. Healthcare professionals are advised not to use the product if the printed seal under the cap is torn or open, as this may compromise the safety and efficacy of the product.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally. There are no additional details available regarding laboratory tests, abuse information, patient counseling, or postmarketing experience.

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Guardian Regular Strength Alkums, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)

Data Generation & Sources

This page was automatically generated and is maintained by the AllDrugs AI Data-Science Team. It was built from the FDA Structured Product Label (DailyMed) for Guardian Regular Strength Alkums, retrieved by a validated AI data-extraction workflow.

All FDA-listed dosage forms and strengths are shown in the Packaging & NDC Codes section above. Regulatory status appears in the Summary Information panel above and was verified in the FDA National Drug Code directory and the NSDE NDC Directory daily file.

Note: an automated daemon monitors NSDE checksums; when the record for this NDC changes, the new file is pulled instantly and this page is refreshed.

No human clinician has reviewed this version.

Learn more in our Editorial Policy

Last AI update:

Primary FDA sources:

Orange Book data shown on this page are limited to Regulatory Status (Rx), Established Pharmacologic Class (EPC), and Mechanism of Action (MoA).

Regulatory data notice: Information on this page is reproduced verbatim from FDA public databases (NSDE, Orange Book, Purple Book, DailyMed SPL). NDA/ANDA drugs are FDA-approved, BLA biologics are FDA-licensed. Inclusion alone does not guarantee current market availability or imply FDA endorsement.

Medical disclaimer: This AI-generated content is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional for diagnosis or treatment decisions.