Calcefer
Generic Name
Calcium Carbonate
Manufacturer
MediCare Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| calcefer 1000 mg tablet | ৳ 10.00 | ৳ 100.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Calcefer 1000 mg Tablet is a calcium supplement used to prevent and treat calcium deficiencies, support bone health, and manage conditions like osteoporosis. It provides essential calcium necessary for various bodily functions, including bone formation, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
For calcium supplementation: 1-2 tablets (1000-2000 mg Calcium Carbonate) daily, or as directed by physician. For antacid use: Chew 1 tablet as needed.
Elderly
Similar to adult dosage, but monitor calcium levels more closely.
Renal_impairment
Use with caution and monitor serum calcium and phosphate levels. Dosage adjustment may be necessary based on renal function.
How to Take
Take orally, preferably with or after food to enhance absorption and minimize gastrointestinal upset. Tablets may be chewed or swallowed whole with water.
Mechanism of Action
Calcium Carbonate provides elemental calcium, which is vital for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. It plays a crucial role in nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, blood coagulation, and proper functioning of many enzymes. It also acts as an antacid by neutralizing stomach acid.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Calcium levels begin to rise within a few hours. Antacid effect is immediate.
Excretion
Primarily excreted via kidneys (urine) and feces (unabsorbed calcium).
Half life
Serum half-life for elemental calcium is approximately 20-30 hours, but bone turnover contributes to a longer effective half-life.
Absorption
Approximately 20-30% of ingested elemental calcium is absorbed in the small intestine, primarily through active transport and passive diffusion. Absorption is enhanced by Vitamin D.
Metabolism
Elemental calcium is not metabolized in the traditional sense; it participates in physiological processes.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Calcium Carbonate or any component of the formulation.
- Hypercalcemia (abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood).
- Severe hypercalciuria (excessive calcium in the urine).
- Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) or other forms of renal calculi.
- Severe renal impairment (unless under strict medical supervision).
Drug Interactions
Digoxin
High serum calcium levels can potentiate digoxin toxicity, particularly in patients with renal impairment.
Levothyroxine
Calcium can reduce levothyroxine absorption. Separate administration by at least 4 hours.
Bisphosphonates
Calcium can interfere with bisphosphonate absorption. Administer calcium at least 30-60 minutes after bisphosphonates.
Thiazide diuretics
Can reduce urinary calcium excretion, potentially leading to hypercalcemia if calcium intake is high.
Tetracycline antibiotics
Calcium can chelate tetracyclines, reducing their absorption. Administer calcium at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after tetracyclines.
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics
Similar to tetracyclines, calcium can reduce their absorption. Separate administration by at least 2 hours.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose (hypercalcemia) may include nausea, vomiting, constipation, thirst, polyuria (frequent urination), abdominal pain, muscle weakness, confusion, and in severe cases, renal impairment, cardiac arrhythmias, and coma. Treatment involves discontinuation of calcium, rehydration, and sometimes loop diuretics or corticosteroids.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Calcium is essential during pregnancy and lactation. This medicine can be used under medical supervision to meet increased calcium requirements. Do not exceed recommended doses.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Calcium Carbonate or any component of the formulation.
- Hypercalcemia (abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood).
- Severe hypercalciuria (excessive calcium in the urine).
- Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) or other forms of renal calculi.
- Severe renal impairment (unless under strict medical supervision).
Drug Interactions
Digoxin
High serum calcium levels can potentiate digoxin toxicity, particularly in patients with renal impairment.
Levothyroxine
Calcium can reduce levothyroxine absorption. Separate administration by at least 4 hours.
Bisphosphonates
Calcium can interfere with bisphosphonate absorption. Administer calcium at least 30-60 minutes after bisphosphonates.
Thiazide diuretics
Can reduce urinary calcium excretion, potentially leading to hypercalcemia if calcium intake is high.
Tetracycline antibiotics
Calcium can chelate tetracyclines, reducing their absorption. Administer calcium at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after tetracyclines.
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics
Similar to tetracyclines, calcium can reduce their absorption. Separate administration by at least 2 hours.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose (hypercalcemia) may include nausea, vomiting, constipation, thirst, polyuria (frequent urination), abdominal pain, muscle weakness, confusion, and in severe cases, renal impairment, cardiac arrhythmias, and coma. Treatment involves discontinuation of calcium, rehydration, and sometimes loop diuretics or corticosteroids.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Calcium is essential during pregnancy and lactation. This medicine can be used under medical supervision to meet increased calcium requirements. Do not exceed recommended doses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
36 months (3 years) from manufacturing date.
Availability
Pharmacies, drugstores
Approval Status
Approved (OTC)
Patent Status
Generic
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Calcium Carbonate is a well-established compound. Numerous clinical trials support its efficacy in treating and preventing calcium deficiency and related bone conditions. Research continues into optimal dosing and combination therapies.
Lab Monitoring
- Serum calcium levels (especially in patients with renal impairment or those on high doses).
- Renal function tests (serum creatinine, BUN) in long-term therapy.
- Urine calcium excretion (if hypercalciuria is suspected).
Doctor Notes
- Counsel patients on proper administration (with food) and potential drug interactions (tetracyclines, bisphosphonates).
- Monitor serum calcium, especially in patients with renal impairment or those on concomitant thiazide diuretics.
- Advise on lifestyle modifications for bone health (diet, exercise, Vitamin D).
Patient Guidelines
- Take this medicine with plenty of water.
- Preferably take with food to improve absorption and reduce stomach upset.
- Do not exceed the recommended daily dose unless directed by your doctor.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, especially antibiotics and thyroid hormones.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Calcefer 1000 mg Tablet is not known to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Incorporate weight-bearing exercises into your routine to support bone health.
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D from natural sources.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol and excessive caffeine consumption.
- Ensure adequate sun exposure for Vitamin D synthesis.
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