Ambeecal-D
Generic Name
Calcium Carbonate 500 mg + Vitamin D3 200 IU
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| ambeecal d 500 mg tablet | ৳ 3.31 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Ambeecal-D 500 mg tablet is a mineral and vitamin supplement containing calcium carbonate and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), primarily used for the prevention and treatment of calcium and vitamin D deficiencies.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Typically 1-2 tablets daily, or as directed by a physician.
Elderly
Same as adult dosage, but caution is advised in patients with renal impairment.
Renal_impairment
Use with caution and dose adjustment may be necessary. Monitor calcium and phosphate levels. Contraindicated in severe renal failure.
How to Take
Oral. Can be taken with or without food. For best absorption, it is often recommended to take with meals.
Mechanism of Action
Calcium is an essential mineral for bone formation and maintenance, nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and various metabolic functions. Vitamin D3 facilitates the absorption of calcium from the gut, regulates calcium and phosphate levels in the body, and promotes bone mineralization.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Therapeutic effects on bone density are gradual, usually observed over weeks to months.
Excretion
Calcium is primarily excreted via kidneys and feces. Vitamin D metabolites are excreted primarily in bile and feces, with a small amount in urine.
Half life
Calcium has no specific half-life; its levels are homeostatically regulated. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) has a half-life of about 24 hours, while its active metabolite calcitriol has a half-life of 3-6 hours.
Absorption
Calcium absorption occurs primarily in the small intestine, enhanced by vitamin D. Vitamin D3 is absorbed from the gut and then hydroxylated in the liver and kidneys to its active forms.
Metabolism
Calcium is not metabolized. Vitamin D3 is hydroxylated in the liver to 25-hydroxyvitamin D (calcifediol) and then in the kidneys to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol), the active form.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to calcium carbonate, vitamin D3, or any component of the tablet
- Hypercalcemia (high calcium levels in blood)
- Hypercalciuria (high calcium levels in urine)
- Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones)
- Severe renal impairment
- Hypervitaminosis D
Drug Interactions
Levothyroxine
Reduced absorption of levothyroxine. Administer at least 4 hours apart.
Bisphosphonates
Reduced absorption of bisphosphonates. Administer at least 30 minutes apart.
Iron supplements
Calcium can inhibit iron absorption. Take at different times.
Phosphate binders
May reduce phosphate absorption.
Thiazide diuretics
May increase the risk of hypercalcemia.
Cardiac glycosides (e.g., Digoxin)
Hypercalcemia can potentiate the effects of cardiac glycosides, increasing the risk of arrhythmias.
Tetracycline and Fluoroquinolone antibiotics
Calcium can form insoluble complexes with these antibiotics, reducing their absorption. Administer at least 2-3 hours apart.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms may include hypercalcemia (nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, thirst, polyuria, confusion), and in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmias and coma. Treatment involves discontinuation of the supplement, hydration, and management of hypercalcemia, potentially with loop diuretics or corticosteroids.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Generally considered safe and beneficial when used within recommended daily allowances during pregnancy and lactation to meet increased nutritional needs. However, excessive doses should be avoided. Consult a doctor.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to calcium carbonate, vitamin D3, or any component of the tablet
- Hypercalcemia (high calcium levels in blood)
- Hypercalciuria (high calcium levels in urine)
- Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones)
- Severe renal impairment
- Hypervitaminosis D
Drug Interactions
Levothyroxine
Reduced absorption of levothyroxine. Administer at least 4 hours apart.
Bisphosphonates
Reduced absorption of bisphosphonates. Administer at least 30 minutes apart.
Iron supplements
Calcium can inhibit iron absorption. Take at different times.
Phosphate binders
May reduce phosphate absorption.
Thiazide diuretics
May increase the risk of hypercalcemia.
Cardiac glycosides (e.g., Digoxin)
Hypercalcemia can potentiate the effects of cardiac glycosides, increasing the risk of arrhythmias.
Tetracycline and Fluoroquinolone antibiotics
Calcium can form insoluble complexes with these antibiotics, reducing their absorption. Administer at least 2-3 hours apart.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms may include hypercalcemia (nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, thirst, polyuria, confusion), and in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmias and coma. Treatment involves discontinuation of the supplement, hydration, and management of hypercalcemia, potentially with loop diuretics or corticosteroids.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Generally considered safe and beneficial when used within recommended daily allowances during pregnancy and lactation to meet increased nutritional needs. However, excessive doses should be avoided. Consult a doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from manufacturing date
Availability
Pharmacies, supermarkets
Approval Status
Approved by regulatory bodies (e.g., DGDA)
Patent Status
Generic (Patent expired)
Clinical Trials
Extensive clinical data supports the efficacy and safety of calcium and vitamin D supplementation for bone health and deficiency prevention. Specific trials for Ambeecal-D are generally bioequivalence studies.
Lab Monitoring
- Serum calcium levels (especially in patients at risk of hypercalcemia or renal impairment)
- Serum phosphate levels
- 24-hour urinary calcium excretion (if hypercalciuria is suspected)
- Renal function tests (creatinine, GFR) in patients with kidney issues
- Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels (to assess vitamin D status)
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize patient education on appropriate dosing and potential drug interactions, especially with antibiotics and thyroid hormones.
- Consider checking serum calcium and vitamin D levels periodically in patients on long-term therapy or with pre-existing conditions.
- Advise patients to report symptoms of hypercalcemia (e.g., severe constipation, nausea, excessive thirst) promptly.
Patient Guidelines
- Take as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.
- If you experience severe or persistent side effects, contact your healthcare provider.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Ambeecal-D 500 mg tablet is not known to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
- Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise to support bone health.
- Ensure adequate sun exposure for natural vitamin D production, while protecting against sunburn.
- Avoid excessive alcohol and smoking, as they can negatively impact bone density.
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