Milk alkali syndrome.

The milk alkali syndrome was more commonly seen when milk and absorbable alkalis were the mainstays of treatment of symptoms due to acidrelated upper gastro-intestinal disease. The syndrome became rarer after the introduction of the non-absorbable alkalis and H2 receptor antagonists but it did not disappear altogether and should always be suspected when patients present with hypercalcaemia, renal impairment and metabolic alkalosis. Calcium carbonate is widely available in over-the-counter antacid preparations and is used in the prophylaxis and treatment of osteoporosis. An excessive intake can cause the milk alkali syndrome and it is possible that because of its increasing use more cases of the milk alkali syndrome will be seen in the future.