Cal-D
Generic Name
Calcium Carbonate (Elemental Calcium 500 mg) + Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
Loading images...
Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| cal d 500 mg tablet | ৳ 7.00 | ৳ 70.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Cal-D 500 mg tablet is a combination of Calcium Carbonate and Vitamin D3, primarily used as a dietary supplement to prevent and treat calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, and to maintain bone health.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Usually 1-2 tablets daily, or as directed by the physician. Should be taken with meals.
Elderly
Same as adult dosage, but caution in renal impairment and monitor calcium levels.
Renal_impairment
Use with caution and monitor calcium levels. Dosage adjustment may be necessary or contraindicated in severe cases.
How to Take
Oral. Tablets can be swallowed whole with water. Taking with food enhances absorption.
Mechanism of Action
Calcium is an essential mineral for bone formation, nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and blood clotting. Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) helps regulate calcium and phosphate homeostasis and promotes their absorption from the gut, facilitating proper bone mineralization.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Therapeutic effects on bone density are gradual, over weeks to months.
Excretion
Calcium is primarily excreted via feces (unabsorbed calcium) and kidneys (filtered and reabsorbed). Vitamin D3 and its metabolites are primarily excreted via bile into feces.
Half life
Circulating calcium has a very short half-life, but bone turnover is continuous. For Vitamin D3, approximately 24 hours for cholecalciferol, but active metabolites have longer half-lives (e.g., calcitriol 15 hours).
Absorption
Approximately 20-40% of dietary calcium is absorbed, primarily in the small intestine, influenced by Vitamin D levels. Vitamin D3 is absorbed from the small intestine.
Metabolism
Calcium is primarily regulated by parathyroid hormone and Vitamin D. Vitamin D3 is hydroxylated in the liver to 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (calcidiol), then in the kidneys to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol, the active form).
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypercalcemia (high calcium levels in blood)
- Hypercalciuria (high calcium levels in urine)
- Severe renal impairment
- Known hypersensitivity to calcium carbonate or Vitamin D3
- Active kidney stones
Drug Interactions
Levothyroxine
Reduced absorption of levothyroxine; take calcium several hours apart.
Bisphosphonates
Calcium can interfere with absorption; take calcium at least 30 minutes after bisphosphonates.
Corticosteroids
May reduce calcium absorption.
Thiazide Diuretics
May increase risk of hypercalcemia.
Tetracyclines & Fluoroquinolones
Calcium can reduce their absorption; take calcium at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after these antibiotics.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include hypercalcemia (nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, polyuria, polydipsia, confusion), severe cases can lead to renal impairment and coma. Treatment involves discontinuation of supplement, hydration, and medical management of hypercalcemia.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Generally considered safe and often recommended to meet increased calcium and Vitamin D requirements during pregnancy and lactation. However, consult a physician before use.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypercalcemia (high calcium levels in blood)
- Hypercalciuria (high calcium levels in urine)
- Severe renal impairment
- Known hypersensitivity to calcium carbonate or Vitamin D3
- Active kidney stones
Drug Interactions
Levothyroxine
Reduced absorption of levothyroxine; take calcium several hours apart.
Bisphosphonates
Calcium can interfere with absorption; take calcium at least 30 minutes after bisphosphonates.
Corticosteroids
May reduce calcium absorption.
Thiazide Diuretics
May increase risk of hypercalcemia.
Tetracyclines & Fluoroquinolones
Calcium can reduce their absorption; take calcium at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after these antibiotics.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include hypercalcemia (nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, polyuria, polydipsia, confusion), severe cases can lead to renal impairment and coma. Treatment involves discontinuation of supplement, hydration, and medical management of hypercalcemia.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Generally considered safe and often recommended to meet increased calcium and Vitamin D requirements during pregnancy and lactation. However, consult a physician before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from manufacturing date.
Availability
Pharmacies, drugstores
Approval Status
Approved
Patent Status
Off-patent (Generic available)
Clinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials have established the efficacy of calcium and Vitamin D supplementation in various bone health conditions.
Lab Monitoring
- Serum calcium levels (especially in patients with renal impairment or on long-term therapy)
- Serum phosphate levels
- Renal function (creatinine, BUN)
Doctor Notes
- Advise patients on appropriate dietary calcium and Vitamin D intake.
- Monitor serum calcium and renal function, especially in elderly or renally impaired patients.
- Counsel on potential drug interactions, particularly with antibiotics and bisphosphonates.
Patient Guidelines
- Take with food to improve absorption and reduce stomach upset.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose.
- Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
- Maintain adequate fluid intake.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Driving Precautions
Cal-D 500 mg tablet is not known to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Regular weight-bearing exercise for bone health.
- Balanced diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Alternative Medicines in Bangladesh
Similar medicines available in the market
Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.