Medicine Information

Calcin-O

Name: Calcin-O
Brand: Calcin-O
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

TabletElemental Calcium 400 mg + Vitamin D3 200 IUMineral and Vitamin Supplements (Bone Health)ATC: A12AX

Generic Name

Calcium Carbonate (Elemental Calcium 400 mg) + Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol 200 IU)

Manufacturer

General Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
calcin o 400 mg tablet	৳ 8.00	N/A

Description

Overview of the medicine

Calcin-O 400 mg Tablet is a combination supplement containing elemental calcium and Vitamin D3. It is used to support bone health, prevent and treat calcium and Vitamin D deficiencies, and manage conditions like osteoporosis and osteomalacia.

Uses & Indications

Prevention and treatment of calcium and Vitamin D deficiency

Management of osteoporosis and osteomalacia

Adjunct to specific osteoporosis treatment

Increased calcium and Vitamin D requirements during pregnancy and lactation

Supplementation in postmenopausal women and elderly to maintain bone health

Dosage

Adults

Usually 1-2 tablets once or twice daily, or as directed by a physician. Take with food.

Elderly

No specific dose adjustment for elderly, but monitor for hypercalcemia if concomitant conditions exist. Dosage as per adults or physician's advice.

Renal_impairment

Use with caution in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. Avoid in severe renal impairment. Regular monitoring of serum calcium and phosphate levels is essential.

How to Take

Take the tablet orally, preferably with or after food to enhance absorption and reduce gastrointestinal upset. Swallow whole with water; do not chew unless specified as a chewable tablet.

Mechanism of Action

Elemental calcium is crucial for bone formation, muscle function, nerve transmission, and various cellular processes. Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) facilitates the absorption of calcium from the gut and its incorporation into bones, helping to maintain proper calcium and phosphate levels in the body.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Therapeutic effects are gradual, often taking weeks to months to become evident, especially for bone density improvements.

Excretion

Calcium is primarily excreted via feces (unabsorbed portion) and urine. Vitamin D metabolites are primarily excreted in bile and feces, with some renal excretion.

Half life

The half-life of 25(OH)D is approximately 2-3 weeks, while the half-life of 1,25(OH)2D is a few hours. Calcium's half-life is variable depending on physiological needs.

Absorption

Calcium absorption primarily occurs in the small intestine, enhanced by Vitamin D. Vitamin D3 is absorbed from the gut, hydroxylated in the liver to 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], and then in the kidneys to the active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D].

Metabolism

Calcium is not metabolized but is transported and utilized. Vitamin D3 is metabolized in the liver and kidneys to its active forms.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypercalcemia (high calcium levels in blood)
Hypercalciuria (high calcium levels in urine)
Severe renal impairment or kidney stones
Vitamin D toxicity
Hypersensitivity to the active substances or any excipients

Drug Interactions

Levothyroxine

Calcium may impair levothyroxine absorption; take at least 4 hours apart.

Bisphosphonates

Calcium can reduce absorption; take at least 30 minutes apart.

Corticosteroids

May decrease calcium absorption.

Thiazide diuretics

May increase the risk of hypercalcemia.

Digitalis glycosides

Hypercalcemia can increase the risk of digitalis toxicity.

Tetracyclines & Fluoroquinolones

Calcium can reduce the absorption of these antibiotics; take 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 of overdose include hypercalcemia (nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, polyuria, polydipsia, confusion, kidney stones). Treatment involves discontinuing the supplement, hydration, and potentially loop diuretics or corticosteroids under medical supervision.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Calcin-O is generally considered safe and often recommended during pregnancy and lactation to meet increased calcium and Vitamin D requirements. However, pregnant or lactating women should consult their doctor for appropriate dosage to avoid excessive intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

30 tablets per pack60 tablets per pack100 tablets per bottle

Shelf Life

Usually 24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture, depending on the manufacturer.

Availability

Available in pharmacies and supermarkets

Approval Status

Generally approved as OTC supplement

Patent Status

Off-patent

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of calcium and Vitamin D supplementation in preventing and treating bone mineral density loss and fractures, especially in at-risk populations like postmenopausal women and the elderly.

Lab Monitoring

Serum calcium levels (especially for prolonged use or renal impairment)
Serum phosphate levels
25-hydroxyvitamin D levels
Renal function (creatinine, BUN) for at-risk patients

Doctor Notes

Advise patients on appropriate dosing and the importance of adherence.
Counsel patients on potential drug interactions, especially with antibiotics, thyroid hormones, and bisphosphonates.
Monitor serum calcium, phosphate, and renal function, especially in patients with pre-existing renal conditions or those on long-term therapy.
Educate patients on symptoms of hypercalcemia and when to seek medical attention.

Patient Guidelines

Take exactly as directed by your doctor or as indicated on the label.
Do not exceed the recommended dose without consulting a healthcare professional.
Maintain adequate fluid intake throughout the day.
Inform your doctor about all other medications and supplements you are taking.
If you experience severe gastrointestinal upset or symptoms of hypercalcemia, contact your doctor immediately.

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 resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Driving Precautions

Calcin-O is not known to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if you experience any side effects that impair your concentration or vision, avoid such activities.

Lifestyle Advice

Engage in regular weight-bearing exercises to improve bone strength.
Maintain a balanced diet rich in calcium-containing foods (dairy, leafy greens, fortified foods).
Ensure adequate sun exposure for natural Vitamin D synthesis, while also protecting skin from excessive UV radiation.
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and smoking.

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Calbon D (Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.)Osso-D (Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd.)Coralcal-D (Renata Limited)Acecal-D (ACI Limited)

Global Brand Names

International brand names for this medicine