Foswin Tablet (Calcium Acetate 667mg): Complete Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Severe abdominal pain or bloating
- Blood in stool or vomit
- Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
- Confusion or extreme muscle weakness
- Decreased urine output
- Swelling of face, lips, or throat
- Severe constipation with inability to pass stool
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is specium tablet used for?
This medicine is a phosphate binder used in dialysis patients to lower high phosphate levels by binding phosphate from food in the gut.
- Generic Name: Calcium Acetate (667mg)
- Manufacturer: Medigen Life Sciences
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 specium tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा कैल्शियम एसीटेट 667 मिलीग्राम टैबलेट है, जिसका उपयोग किडनी रोगियों में फॉस्फेट के स्तर को कम करने के लिए किया जाता है। यह दवा भोजन के साथ लेने पर पेट में फॉस्फेट को बांधती है और उसे शरीर से बाहर निकालने में मदद करती है। यह डायलिसिस कराने वाले मरीजों के लिए विशेष रूप से उपयोगी है।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में मतली, उल्टी, कब्ज, दस्त और पेट में गड़बड़ी शामिल हैं। कभी-कभी रक्त में कैल्शियम का स्तर बढ़ सकता है, जिससे भ्रम, मांसपेशियों में कमजोरी और अनियमित धड़कन हो सकती है। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं, लेकिन अगर आपको तेज पेट दर्द, सूजन या पेशाब में कमी महसूस हो तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को हमेशा भोजन के साथ लें, क्योंकि यह भोजन में मौजूद फॉस्फेट को बांधती है। अपने डॉक्टर द्वारा बताई गई मात्रा से अधिक या कम न लें। बिना डॉक्टर की सलाह के इसे बंद न करें। कैल्शियम और फॉस्फेट के स्तर की नियमित जांच कराते रहें। अगर आप गर्भवती हैं या स्तनपान करा रही हैं, तो डॉक्टर से सलाह लें।
💊 specium tablet Uses & Benefits
- [{"condition":"Hyperphosphatemia in chronic kidney disease","description":"This medicine is used to control high phosphate levels in patients with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis.
- It binds phosphate from food in the gut, preventing its absorption and lowering blood phosphate.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Hyperphosphatemia in end-stage renal disease","description":"It is commonly prescribed for patients with end-stage renal disease receiving dialysis to manage mineral and bone disorders.","evidence":"Well-established"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Hyperphosphatemia in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease","description":"Sometimes used off-label in earlier stages of chronic kidney disease to control phosphate levels, but this is not the primary approved use.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Hyperphosphatemia in chronic kidney disease
Also treats: End-stage renal disease, Secondary hyperparathyroidism, Renal osteodystrophy
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Calcium Acetate (667mg) |
| Brand Name | specium tablet |
| Manufacturer | Medigen Life Sciences |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | OTHERS |
| Action Class | |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Keep away from moisture and heat. Keep in the original container. |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from the date of manufacture. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine works by binding to phosphate in the gastrointestinal tract. Calcium acetate reacts with dietary phosphate to form insoluble calcium phosphate, which cannot be absorbed through the intestinal wall. This insoluble complex is then excreted in the stool, reducing the amount of phosphate that enters the bloodstream. By lowering serum phosphate, it helps prevent the complications of hyperphosphatemia, such as vascular calcification and renal osteodystrophy. Unlike some other phosphate binders, calcium acetate does not contain aluminum, which can be toxic in kidney failure. It also provides a source of calcium, which may help maintain calcium balance, but this requires careful monitoring to avoid hypercalcemia.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take specium tablet
Strength: Calcium Acetate 667 mg immediate-release tablet
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine is 1 to 2 tablets (667 mg to 1334 mg) taken with each meal, depending on your serum phosphate levels and dietary intake. The dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on your blood test results, kidney function, and other medications. Do not adjust your dose without consulting your doctor. Take with meals to maximize phosphate binding. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatric nephrologist for guidance. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of calcium acetate, especially regarding hypercalcemia. Doses should be adjusted based on kidney function and serum calcium levels. Regular monitoring is recommended. |
| Renal Impairment | This medicine is used in patients with kidney disease, but the dose must be carefully adjusted based on serum phosphate and calcium levels. In patients with severe renal impairment, the risk of hypercalcemia is higher, so monitoring is crucial. |
| Hepatic Impairment | No specific dose adjustment is required for hepatic impairment, as the medicine is not significantly metabolized by the liver. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum daily dose should not exceed 12 tablets (approximately 8000 mg of calcium acetate) per day, but the exact limit depends on individual patient factors and must be determined by a doctor. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of specium tablet
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium supplements | Major | |
| Vitamin D analogs | Major | |
| Fluoroquinolones | Major | |
| Tetracyclines | Major | |
| Thiazide diuretics | Moderate | |
| Iron supplements | Moderate | |
| Levothyroxine | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Calcium supplements
- Vitamin D analogs
- Fluoroquinolone antibiotics
- Tetracycline antibiotics
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Thiazide diuretics
- Iron supplements
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol may increase the risk of stomach upset and can affect calcium balance. It is best to avoid or limit alcohol while taking this medicine, especially if you have kidney disease.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Hypercalcemia (high blood calcium)","Hypophosphatemia (low blood phosphate)","History of calcium-containing kidney stones","Severe constipation or bowel obstruction","Known hypersensitivity to calcium acetate"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["Use with caution in patients with a history of kidney stones.","Monitor serum calcium regularly to avoid hypercalcemia.","Avoid concurrent use with calcium supplements or vitamin D without medical advice.","May cause constipation; ensure adequate fluid intake.","Not recommended for patients with low phosphate levels.","Use with caution in patients with heart disease.","Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
It is not known whether calcium acetate passes into breast milk in significant amounts. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding while taking this medicine.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose of this medicine can lead to hypercalcemia, which may cause nausea, vomiting, confusion, and irregular heartbeat. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Treatment may include stopping the medicine, hydration, and medications to lower calcium levels.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it with your next meal if it is within 1 hour of the scheduled time. If more than 1 hour has passed, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your kidney doctor, usually with meals to help it bind phosphate from your food. Do not take more or less than your prescribed dose, and do not stop taking it without talking to your doctor first. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water; do not crush, chew, or split it unless your doctor or pharmacist says it is okay. Because this medicine contains calcium, your doctor will check your blood calcium and phosphate levels regularly. Avoid taking calcium supplements or antacids that contain calcium without asking your doctor, as this can raise your calcium too high. Tell your doctor if you have a history of kidney stones, high calcium, or low phosphate. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before using this medicine. Keep all follow-up appointments and lab tests, as they are important to make sure the medicine is working safely. Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat, and keep it out of reach of children.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients are more prone to hypercalcemia and should have regular monitoring of calcium and phosphate levels. Dose adjustments may be needed.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning pregnancy, consult your doctor to review your medications. Calcium acetate is generally considered safe but should be used under medical supervision.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
After surgery, continue taking this medicine as prescribed, but inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist about it. Monitor calcium levels closely.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist about this medicine before any dental procedure. No specific precautions are usually needed, but maintain good oral hygiene.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
Exercise is generally safe, but if you experience muscle weakness or bone pain, consult your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine may cause dizziness or fatigue in some people. If affected, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor. Stopping suddenly can cause phosphate levels to rise, leading to complications.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine may lead to hypercalcemia or adynamic bone disease if not monitored. Regular blood tests are essential to adjust the dose and prevent complications. It is important to follow your doctor's monitoring plan.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Limiting high-phosphate foods can help control phosphate levels.
Evidence: Well-establishedSevelamer or lanthanum carbonate are alternatives for patients with hypercalcemia.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
No specific vaccine interactions are known. However, keep your vaccinations up to date as advised for kidney disease patients.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature (15-30°C)
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate
✅ DO
Keep in original container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight
❌ DON'T
Do not store in bathroom cabinet
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When traveling, carry this medicine in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription. Keep it in your carry-on luggage to avoid loss. Store at room temperature and avoid extreme heat. If crossing time zones, continue taking with meals as usual. Check customs regulations for carrying prescription medicines.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: This medicine starts binding phosphate immediately after you take it with food, but it may take a few days to see a significant drop in blood phosphate levels.
A: No, it must be taken with meals to effectively bind phosphate from your food.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for specium tablet
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
foswin tabletEdallia Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd ₹54.00 14.9% COSTLIER
-
phosnier 667 tabletPonoogun Healthcare Pvt Ltd ₹60.00 27.7% COSTLIER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: Calcium acetate is a calcium supplement.
Fact: It is a phosphate binder, not a calcium supplement. It is used to lower phosphate levels. - Myth: You can take it anytime.
Fact: It must be taken with meals to bind phosphate effectively.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Calcium Acetate 667 mg tablet
Brand Alternatives
- Foswin 667mg Tablet
- PhosLo 667mg Tablet
- Calphron 667mg Tablet