Milk-alkali syndrome results from ingestion of excessive amounts of calcium and absorbable alkali (e.g., bicarbonate and citrate salts).
Historically seen during self-treatment of ind...
Calcium-containing supplement use
Symptoms of hypercalcemia (“stones, bones, moans and groans”):
Nausea, vomiting, constipation
Polyuria
Mental status changes including lethargy, irrita...
Stop calcium and alkali (carbonate salts):
Supplements
Over-the-counter antacids
Volume expansion
To maintain urine output of 3 L/day
Treat hypercalcemia: ...
Kidney function
Fluid intake and output
Correction of calcium after treatment
Malcolm OT. Identification, treatment, and prevention of calcium-alkali syndrome in elderly patients. Consult Pharm. 2015;30(8):444–454. [View Abstract on OvidMedline]
Patel AM...
Aggressive over-the-counter antacid or calcium supplement use can lead to hypercalcemia.
Calcium supplementation should not exceed 1.2 g/day.
Treat by stopping excess consumption and ens...
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