Calfor
Generic Name
Calcium Carbonate
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| calfor 500 mg tablet | ৳ 1.82 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Calfor 500 mg Tablet is a calcium supplement used to prevent or treat low blood calcium levels in people who do not get enough calcium from their diets. It is essential for strong bones, muscle function, and nerve transmission.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Typically 500 mg to 1000 mg (as elemental calcium) daily, divided doses, with meals. For Calcium Carbonate 500 mg, this usually means 1-2 tablets daily.
Elderly
Same as adult dosage, but caution with renal function.
Renal_impairment
Dosage adjustment needed. Use with caution, monitor serum calcium and phosphate levels.
How to Take
Orally, with water, preferably with meals to enhance absorption. Do not crush or chew.
Mechanism of Action
Calcium is an essential mineral for many bodily functions, including bone formation, muscle contraction, and nerve function. Calcium carbonate works by providing an exogenous source of calcium to the body, thereby increasing blood calcium levels.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Not immediate; gradual increase in serum calcium levels over hours.
Excretion
Primarily via kidneys (urine) and intestines (feces).
Half life
Variable, as calcium levels are tightly regulated; apparent half-life related to absorption and excretion, not elimination from the body itself.
Absorption
About 20-30% of ingested calcium carbonate is absorbed, primarily in the small intestine, requiring acidic environment for optimal absorption.
Metabolism
Calcium itself is not metabolized in the traditional sense; it is utilized by the body.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypercalcemia
- Severe hypercalciuria
- Hypersensitivity to calcium carbonate or any component
- Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones)
Drug Interactions
Bisphosphonates
Reduced absorption of bisphosphonates; take calcium at a different time (at least 30-60 min apart).
Iron supplements
Reduced iron absorption; separate administration by 2 hours.
Thiazide diuretics
Increased risk of hypercalcemia.
Tetracyclines/Fluoroquinolones
Reduced absorption of antibiotics; separate administration by several hours (2-6 hours).
Thyroid hormones (Levothyroxine)
Reduced absorption of thyroid hormones; separate administration by several hours (4 hours).
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms: Severe hypercalcemia (nausea, vomiting, constipation, thirst, polyuria, muscle weakness, confusion, kidney stones, cardiac arrhythmias). Management: Discontinue calcium, adequate hydration, loop diuretics. In severe cases, calcitonin or bisphosphonates may be used. Monitor fluid and electrolyte balance.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Considered safe when used at recommended doses to meet daily calcium requirements. Consult doctor before use, especially if higher doses are considered.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypercalcemia
- Severe hypercalciuria
- Hypersensitivity to calcium carbonate or any component
- Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones)
Drug Interactions
Bisphosphonates
Reduced absorption of bisphosphonates; take calcium at a different time (at least 30-60 min apart).
Iron supplements
Reduced iron absorption; separate administration by 2 hours.
Thiazide diuretics
Increased risk of hypercalcemia.
Tetracyclines/Fluoroquinolones
Reduced absorption of antibiotics; separate administration by several hours (2-6 hours).
Thyroid hormones (Levothyroxine)
Reduced absorption of thyroid hormones; separate administration by several hours (4 hours).
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms: Severe hypercalcemia (nausea, vomiting, constipation, thirst, polyuria, muscle weakness, confusion, kidney stones, cardiac arrhythmias). Management: Discontinue calcium, adequate hydration, loop diuretics. In severe cases, calcitonin or bisphosphonates may be used. Monitor fluid and electrolyte balance.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Considered safe when used at recommended doses to meet daily calcium requirements. Consult doctor before use, especially if higher doses are considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from the manufacturing date.
Availability
Pharmacies, drugstores
Approval Status
Approved by DGDA
Patent Status
Off-patent
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Calcium carbonate has been extensively studied for its role in bone health, osteoporosis prevention, and treatment of hypocalcemia. Numerous clinical trials support its efficacy and safety when used appropriately. Ongoing research often focuses on specific populations or combinations with Vitamin D.
Lab Monitoring
- Serum calcium levels (especially with high doses, renal impairment, or long-term therapy)
- Serum phosphate levels
- Renal function tests (e.g., creatinine, BUN)
- Urinary calcium excretion (if indicated)
Doctor Notes
- Advise patients to take with food for better absorption and to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
- Monitor serum calcium and renal function in patients on long-term therapy or with renal impairment to prevent hypercalcemia and nephrolithiasis.
- Counsel on potential drug interactions, especially with tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, thyroid hormones, and bisphosphonates; advise staggered administration.
- Emphasize the importance of adequate hydration while on calcium supplementation.
Patient Guidelines
- Take with food to improve absorption.
- Drink plenty of water to prevent kidney stones.
- Do not exceed recommended dose without consulting a doctor.
- Inform doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking.
- Chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Driving Precautions
Calfor 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 for bone health.
- Avoid excessive alcohol and smoking, as they can negatively impact bone density and calcium absorption.
- Limit high-sodium and high-sugar foods.
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