Algecal-C
Generic Name
Calcium Carbonate + Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)
Manufacturer
Aristopharma Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| algecal c 1000 mg tablet | ৳ 12.00 | ৳ 168.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Algecal-C 1000 mg Tablet is a nutritional supplement combining calcium carbonate and Vitamin D3. It is used to prevent and treat calcium and Vitamin D deficiencies, support bone health, and manage conditions like osteoporosis.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Typically 1-2 tablets daily, or as directed by a physician. The tablet should be swallowed whole with water.
Elderly
Same as adult dosage, but caution should be exercised in patients with impaired renal function. Consult a physician for appropriate dosing.
Renal_impairment
Use with caution. Dosage adjustments may be necessary based on serum calcium and phosphate levels. Regular monitoring of calcium levels is recommended. Not recommended in severe renal impairment.
How to Take
Oral administration. Tablets should be taken preferably with food or after meals to enhance absorption and minimize gastrointestinal discomfort.
Mechanism of Action
Calcium is an essential mineral vital for bone formation, maintenance, and various physiological functions including nerve transmission and muscle contraction. Vitamin D3 facilitates the absorption of calcium from the gastrointestinal tract and helps regulate calcium and phosphate homeostasis in the body, promoting bone mineralization.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Clinical benefits for bone health develop gradually over weeks to months with consistent supplementation.
Excretion
Unabsorbed calcium is excreted in feces; absorbed calcium mainly through urine. Vitamin D metabolites are primarily excreted via bile and feces.
Half life
Elemental calcium's half-life varies. Vitamin D3's active metabolite (calcitriol) has a half-life of 4-6 hours, but storage forms last longer (days to weeks).
Absorption
Calcium absorption primarily occurs in the small intestine, enhanced by Vitamin D. Vitamin D3 is absorbed from the gut, requiring bile salts.
Metabolism
Calcium is not metabolized. Vitamin D3 is hydroxylated in the liver to 25-hydroxyvitamin D (calcifediol) and then in the kidneys to the active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol).
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients.
- Hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood).
- Severe hypercalciuria (excessively high levels of calcium in the urine).
- Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) or history of recurrent kidney stones.
- Hypervitaminosis D (excessively high levels of Vitamin D).
- Severe renal impairment.
Drug Interactions
Corticosteroids
Systemic corticosteroids may reduce calcium absorption.
Thiazide diuretics
May reduce urinary calcium excretion and increase the risk of hypercalcemia.
Digitalis glycosides
Hypercalcemia can increase the toxicity of digitalis.
Levothyroxine (Thyroid hormone)
Calcium can impair absorption of levothyroxine. Separate administration by at least 4 hours.
Bisphosphonates (e.g., Alendronate)
Calcium can reduce their absorption. Administer calcium at least 30 minutes after bisphosphonates.
Tetracyclines & Fluoroquinolones (Antibiotics)
Calcium can reduce the absorption of these antibiotics. Administer at least 2-3 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium intake.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose (hypercalcemia) may include anorexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, polyuria, polydipsia, lethargy, confusion, and in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmias and coma. Management involves discontinuing the supplement, ensuring adequate hydration, and monitoring serum calcium levels. In severe cases, intravenous fluids and other measures may be necessary.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Algecal-C can be used during pregnancy and lactation to meet increased calcium and Vitamin D requirements, but only under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional to ensure appropriate dosage and avoid hypercalcemia.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients.
- Hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood).
- Severe hypercalciuria (excessively high levels of calcium in the urine).
- Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) or history of recurrent kidney stones.
- Hypervitaminosis D (excessively high levels of Vitamin D).
- Severe renal impairment.
Drug Interactions
Corticosteroids
Systemic corticosteroids may reduce calcium absorption.
Thiazide diuretics
May reduce urinary calcium excretion and increase the risk of hypercalcemia.
Digitalis glycosides
Hypercalcemia can increase the toxicity of digitalis.
Levothyroxine (Thyroid hormone)
Calcium can impair absorption of levothyroxine. Separate administration by at least 4 hours.
Bisphosphonates (e.g., Alendronate)
Calcium can reduce their absorption. Administer calcium at least 30 minutes after bisphosphonates.
Tetracyclines & Fluoroquinolones (Antibiotics)
Calcium can reduce the absorption of these antibiotics. Administer at least 2-3 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium intake.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose (hypercalcemia) may include anorexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, polyuria, polydipsia, lethargy, confusion, and in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmias and coma. Management involves discontinuing the supplement, ensuring adequate hydration, and monitoring serum calcium levels. In severe cases, intravenous fluids and other measures may be necessary.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Algecal-C can be used during pregnancy and lactation to meet increased calcium and Vitamin D requirements, but only under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional to ensure appropriate dosage and avoid hypercalcemia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 24 to 36 months from the manufacturing date, consult product packaging for exact date.
Availability
Pharmacies, drugstores, supermarkets
Approval Status
Approved
Patent Status
Off-patent
Clinical Trials
Calcium and Vitamin D supplementation have been extensively studied, with numerous clinical trials demonstrating their efficacy in improving bone mineral density and reducing fracture risk, especially in at-risk populations.
Lab Monitoring
- Serum calcium levels, especially in patients on long-term therapy or with renal impairment.
- Urinary calcium excretion, especially if hypercalciuria is suspected.
- Renal function (e.g., serum creatinine, GFR) in patients with pre-existing kidney conditions or on long-term treatment.
Doctor Notes
- Educate patients on the importance of adhering to prescribed dosages and not exceeding them.
- Advise patients about potential drug interactions, especially with certain antibiotics and thyroid medications, and the need for staggered administration.
- Recommend regular monitoring of serum calcium and renal function in patients on long-term therapy or with risk factors for hypercalcemia.
- Emphasize the role of diet and lifestyle modifications in conjunction with supplementation for optimal bone health.
Patient Guidelines
- Do not exceed the recommended daily dose unless advised by a doctor.
- Take tablets with plenty of water, preferably with food.
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist about all other medications and supplements you are taking.
- If you experience severe gastrointestinal upset or symptoms of hypercalcemia, consult your doctor immediately.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Driving Precautions
Algecal-C 1000 mg Tablet is not known to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in calcium (dairy products, leafy greens) and Vitamin D (fatty fish, fortified foods).
- Engage in regular weight-bearing exercises to support bone health.
- Ensure adequate, but safe, sun exposure to boost natural Vitamin D production (e.g., 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times a week).
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